Melville

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What does the baby name Melville mean? Learn about what Melville means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Melville - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Melville
M-E-L-V-I-L-L-E, is a 8-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Melville
MEL-vil
Meaning of Melville
Leader, mill town, bad settlement.
Origin of Melville
The name 'Melville' has its origins in Scotland, where it first emerged as a surname. It is derived from the Old French words 'mel' and 'ville', which mean 'bad' and 'town' respectively. The earliest known use of the name dates back to the 12th century, when it was associated with a small town in Normandy, France. Over time, the name migrated to Scotland, where it became a prominent surname.
Celtic Names
French Names
Popularity of Melville
Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Melville' has experienced fluctuations. In the 19th century, the name saw a notable spike in usage, coinciding with the rise of the renowned American author, Herman 'Melville'. His literary contributions, such as 'Moby-Dick' and 'Bartleby, the Scrivener', brought attention and recognition to the name. However, it is important to note that 'Melville' remains a relatively uncommon given name.
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Etymology of Melville

The etymology of 'Melville' can be traced back to its Old French roots. The word 'mel' originally meant 'bad' in Old French, but its meaning evolved over time to connote 'black' or 'dark'. The word 'ville' refers to a town or settlement. Therefore, 'Melville' can be interpreted as 'dark town' or 'bad town' in its original context.

Cultural Significance of Melville

While 'Melville' does not possess significant cultural associations, it is worth mentioning that the name has been used in various artistic works. Apart from Herman 'Melville's literary contributions, the name has appeared in films, songs, and even as a character name in popular culture. These references contribute to the overall cultural awareness of the name.