Melva Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Melva is an Old English name meaning 'counsel' or 'safety', with roots that may also connect to the Gaelic word for 'honey'. Over time, it evolved from 'Melf' to its current form. The name carries traits of warmth and kindness and has no notable biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the early 20th century and is still regarded as a charming choice today.
The name Melva is most popular in Oklahoma, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the South 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 relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Melva has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Melva' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7007th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5121st out of 6773 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 437th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 420th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 709th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1530th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4782nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 18749th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 21282nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Melva' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Melva"
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛlvə/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Melva is derived from the Old English word 'melf', which means 'counsel' or 'safety'. It may also be connected to the Gaelic word 'mel' meaning 'honey'.
Meaning
counsel, safety, honey
Language Evolution
Melf, Melva
Historical Usage
Melva gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, and has remained a unique choice for parents naming their daughters.
Variants & Derivatives
Mel, Melvie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Melva is viewed as a charming and somewhat vintage name, often associated with warmth and kindness.
Famous People
Melva L. Smith, an American educator and author
Explore More Melva Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Melva"
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 "Melva"
"Melva" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7007th of 7545 | 8 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5121st of 6773 | 22 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 437th of 9107 | 4,151 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 420th of 9204 | 4,887 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 709th of 12526 | 3,496 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1530th of 19264 | 1,045 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4782nd of 27321 | 295 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 18749th of 35406 | 47 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 21282nd of 30306 | 21 |
Regional Popularity of "Melva" 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 "Melva" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
23.87% 338th/1416 |
31.76% 438th/1379 |
21.39% 506th/2366 |
29.95% 342nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
23.42% 362nd/1546 |
36.83% 573rd/1556 |
16.06% 378th/2353 |
28.64% 443rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
33.05% 736th/2227 |
44.86% 1090th/2430 |
20.79% 593rd/2853 |
30.92% 858th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
61.39% 1803rd/2937 |
71.55% 2492nd/3483 |
33.48% 1178th/3518 |
51.56% 2085th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
59.99% 3116th/5194 |
85.91% 5427th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Melva"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Melva" 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.