Melvin
Meaning of Melvin
The name Melvin is of Celtic origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Máel Máedóc" which means "devotee of (Saint) Máedóc." Pronounced as MEL-vin (/ˈmɛl.vɪn/), it has a classic and timeless appeal. The name gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, peaking in usage around the 1920s and 1930s. Although its popularity has waned over the decades, Melvin remains a steadfast choice for parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name for their baby boy. Notable variations include Melvyn, offering a slight twist on the original spelling. Despite its decline in rankings—falling to 817th place in 2023—it retains a charm that resonates with those who appreciate names with historical significance and enduring qualities.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as MEL-vin (/ˈmɛl.vɪn/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Melvin
| Melvin Gordon III is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens, known for his college success at Wisconsin and being a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. |
| Melvin Van Peebles was a multi-talented American actor, filmmaker, writer, and composer who gained recognition for his independent filmmaking and broke barriers in the industry. |
| David Melvin English, also known as Melvin Franklin or "Blue", was a renowned American bass singer and founding member of The Temptations. |
| Melvin Horace Purvis II was a renowned FBI agent known for capturing notorious bank robbers and later had a distinguished military career. |
| Melvin Beaunorus Tolson was an influential American poet, educator, columnist, and politician known for his Modernist style and his exploration of African American language and experiences. |
| Melvin Earl Dummar gained attention for claiming to have saved Howard Hughes and being awarded part of his estate, which led to court battles and a film adaptation of his story. |
| Melvin Ingram III is an accomplished American football linebacker, known for his successful college career at South Carolina and his contributions to the NFL with teams like the San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Kansas City Chiefs. |
| Melvin Gregg is a multi-talented American actor, model, and comedian recognized for his roles in popular TV series and films like American Vandal, High Flying Bird, Snowfall, and Nine Perfect Strangers. |
| Melvin Louis Brown was a heroic United States Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Korean War at the age of 19. |
| Melvin Morris is a Vietnam War veteran, Special Forces soldier, and Medal of Honor recipient. |
| Melvin J. Lerner, a pioneer in the psychological study of justice, served as a Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Waterloo and is currently a visiting scholar at Florida Atlantic University. |
| Melvin Schwartz was an American physicist who won the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the neutrino beam method and the discovery of the muon neutrino. |
| Melvin Jamon Frazier Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League, and he played college basketball for the Tulane Green Wave. |
| Melvin Jones was the founder and secretary-treasurer of Lions Clubs International. |
| Melvin Harrison Turpin was a standout American professional basketball player known for his successful college career at the University of Kentucky and five seasons in the NBA. |
