Melody Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Melody has its roots in Greek, originating from the word 'melodia', which means 'song' or 'music'. It has evolved through various languages, including Old French and English. Melody embodies traits of creativity and joy, with no biblical relevance. The name gained popularity in the late 20th century and continues to be well-received in modern times.
The name Melody is most popular in Nevada, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. From 2020-2022, Melody has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. Across generations, 'Melody' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4746th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4863rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8295th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 21740th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5533rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 915th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 205th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 221st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 290th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 287th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 126th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Melody' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Melody"
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛlədi/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Melody is derived from the Greek word 'melodia', which means 'song' or 'music'. It is linked to the concept of musical harmony and beauty.
Meaning
song, music
Language Evolution
Melodia (Greek), Melodie (Old French), Melody (English)
Historical Usage
The name Melody gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it became a common given name in the 1970s and 1980s, often associated with a love for music.
Variants & Derivatives
Melodie, Mellie, Mel, Melodye
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Melody is often associated with creativity, artistic expression, and a joyful personality. It is perceived positively due to its musical connotations.
Famous People
Melody Thomas Scott, an American actress known for her role on 'The Young and the Restless'., Melody Gardot, an American jazz singer and songwriter.
Explore More Melody Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Melody"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Melody"
"Melody" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4746th of 7552 | 40 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4863rd of 10718 | 71 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8295th of 16616 | 53 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 21740th of 23106 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5533rd of 9107 | 39 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 915th of 9204 | 1,160 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 205th of 12526 | 29,343 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 221st of 19264 | 21,046 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 290th of 27321 | 14,514 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 287th of 35406 | 17,844 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 126th of 30306 | 27,842 |
Regional Popularity of "Melody" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Melody" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
40.94% 633rd/1546 |
52.31% 814th/1556 |
51.64% 1215th/2353 |
33.42% 517th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
8.31% 185th/2227 |
10.53% 256th/2430 |
8.20% 234th/2853 |
6.41% 178th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
7.69% 226th/2937 |
8.67% 302nd/3483 |
5.17% 182nd/3518 |
5.14% 208th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
9.04% 333rd/3685 |
7.89% 353rd/4475 |
4.76% 247th/5194 |
4.50% 284th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
8.23% 377th/4582 |
6.66% 344th/5164 |
4.06% 297th/7313 |
2.80% 209th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
3.82% 152nd/3984 |
3.30% 148th/4487 |
1.95% 133rd/6822 |
1.37% 86th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Melody"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Melody" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.