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    Melville

    Pronunciation: MEL-vil

    ♂ Male
    Old French

    Meaning

    from the bad town

    Origin

    Scottish, French

    The Story Behind Melville

    Melville is a surname of Norman French origin, derived from 'Malleville,' meaning 'bad town' or 'evil settlement.' The 'mal' element (from Latin 'malus') means 'bad,' and 'ville' (from Latin 'villa') means 'settlement' or 'town.' The name was brought to Scotland by Galfrid de Melville, who arrived with David I in the 12th century. The family established themselves in Midlothian, Scotland, and became prominent landowners. Over time, the surname became associated with a specific Scottish clan.

    As a given name, Melville gained popularity in the English-speaking world, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often as a tribute to the famous American novelist Herman Melville. Its use as a first name is less common today, but it retains a distinguished and literary feel.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Uncommon
    Trend:Declining
    Peak decade:1910s
    Era:19th Century, Early 20th Century

    Popularity Trends

    Is Melville Right for Your Baby?

    Melville is a Literary, Distinguished, Classic name for boys that suits parents looking for something with character. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables2
    LengthLong
    International UseRegional
    PronunciationEasy

    Regions Where Melville Is Used

    Scottish
    British

    Name Vibe

    Literary
    Distinguished
    Classic

    Famous People Named Melville

    • Herman Melville, American novelist (Moby Dick)
    • Melville Fuller, American jurist, Chief Justice of the United States
    • Melville J. Herskovits, American anthropologist
    • Melville Shavelson, American film director, producer, and screenwriter

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    Mel
    • Mel

    Melville in different fonts

    MelvilleDancing Script
    MelvilleCaveat
    MelvilleSatisfy
    MelvillePacifico
    MelvilleGreat Vibes

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Melville, you might also like names with these styles:

    Classic
    Literary

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Melville

    What does Melville mean?

    Melville means "from the bad town". It is derived from Scottish, French.

    What is the origin of Melville?

    Melville originates from Old French. Its cultural origin is Scottish, French.

    Is Melville a male or female name?

    Melville is a male name.

    How do you pronounce Melville?

    Melville is pronounced "MEL-vil".

    What language does Melville come from?

    Melville comes from Old French.

    Is Melville a popular name?

    Melville is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is declining.

    What are nicknames for Melville?

    Common nicknames for Melville include Mel.

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