Girl · 126th of 30,306
Melody
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
111,958
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2024
Peak Popularity Year
2,771
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Melody stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
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.
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,771 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 10 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Full popularity table across American generations 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |