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Melody Girl

Popularity: #91 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationMEL-uh-dee / /ˈmɛlədi/

Greek; English

Meaning

Greek: song; English: musical composition

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Melody derives from the Greek word "melodia," which means "song" or "tune." This term is composed of "melos," meaning "song," and "odia," meaning "singing." The transition of the name into English occurred through the Latin "melodia" and the Old French "melodie," which were used in medieval contexts to describe musical compositions. By the late Middle Ages, the term began to be adopted as a given name, reflecting the cultural significance of music in society.

Historically, the name Melody has been associated with various cultural and artistic movements. In the 19th century, the Romantic era emphasized the emotional and expressive qualities of music, further embedding the name within a context of artistic appreciation. Although not directly linked to specific biblical figures or saints, the concept of melody has been prevalent in religious and spiritual music throughout history, often used in hymns and liturgical settings. This connection to music and spirituality has contributed to the name's enduring appeal.

Culturally, the name Melody evokes themes of harmony, beauty, and creativity, resonating with the universal human experience of music. It symbolizes joy and the uplifting power of song, which has been a vital part of human expression across various cultures. The name may also have diminutive forms, such as Mel, which have emerged in various contexts, but the essence of the name remains tied to its musical roots. Overall, Melody reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural heritage, celebrating the timeless connection between language and music.

Trend Summary

The name Melody has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States, particularly since the 1990s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Melodie
  • Melodye

International Variants

  • Melodía (Spanish)
  • Mélodie (French)

Famous people named Melody

Melody Gardot is a singer-songwriter best known for Worrisome Heart, My One and Only Thrill, and Currency of Man.

Melody Thomas Scott is an actress best known for The Young and the Restless, The Love Boat, and The Incredible Hulk.

Melody Hossaini is an entrepreneur and speaker best known for her work in youth leadership and empowerment.

Fictional characters named Melody

Melody is a fictional character from the animated film The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea. She is the daughter of Ariel and Prince Eric, who embarks on a journey to discover her heritage and the ocean's wonders.

Melody is a fictional character from the animated series The Magic School Bus. They are a student in Ms. Frizzle's class, known for their curiosity and enthusiasm for science adventures.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Melody was first seen in the United States in 1914. Melody has ranked as high as #215 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Melody has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Melody (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 448
17%
TX 355
13%
FL 207
8%
NY 149
6%
GA 98
4%
IL 90
3%
OH 81
3%
NC 77
3%
PA 75
3%
AZ 75
3%
NJ 74
3%
VA 73
3%
WA 56
2%
CO 53
2%
MD 51
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19147
19205
19225
19247
19256
19269
192910
193017
193110
193211
193313
193416
193515
193618
193718
193829
193922
194026
194151
1942202
1943195
1944200
1945307
1946538
1947759
1948739
1949740
1950791
1951887
19521,131
19531,296
19541,546
19551,801
19562,389
19571,990
19581,742
19591,952
19602,756
19612,272
19622,024
19632,093
19641,897
19651,664
19661,707
19671,529
19681,282
19691,245
19701,176
19711,203
19721,122
19731,124
19741,198
19751,198
19761,215
19771,371
19781,330
19791,365
19801,317
19811,175
19821,115
19831,107
19841,088
1985967
1986935
1987906
1988884
1989881
1990867
1991850
1992906
1993731
1994730
1995708
1996664
1997736
1998708
1999627
2000720
20011,080
20021,045
20031,023
20041,018
20051,040
20061,107
20071,143
20081,220
20091,451
20101,575
20111,561
20121,790
20131,866
20142,065
20152,178
20162,147
20172,071
20182,154
20192,461
20202,522
20212,466
20222,572
20232,569
20242,771