Melba
Melba is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
From Melbourne; referring to the city in Australia.
Origin and history
Melba is a feminine name derived from the city of Melbourne, Australia. It was created as a stage name by opera singer Dame Nellie Melba and subsequently gained popular usage as a given name in the early 20th century. Though historically well-used in the United States, it is rarely chosen for modern newborns today.
Popularity in the United States
34,873 babies in the United States have been named Melba since 1880. It ranks #749 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2070.
States where it is most popular
- TX (19.2 %)
- MO (6.8 %)
- AR (6 %)
- LA (5.9 %)
- AL (5.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 216 |
| 1900-1910 | 763 |
| 1910-1920 | 4,538 |
| 1920-1930 | 9,099 |
| 1930-1940 | 7,951 |
| 1940-1950 | 5,691 |
| 1950-1960 | 3,792 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,538 |
| 1970-1980 | 736 |
| 1980-1990 | 311 |
| 1990-2000 | 129 |
| 2000-2010 | 50 |
| 2010-2019 | 28 |
| 2020-2029 | 31 |
Famous people named Melba
- Melba Liston: Trombonist, Arranger
- Melba Pattillo Beals: Civil rights activist, Author
- Melba Moore: Singer, Actress
Fun facts
- The name was originally coined by Australian operatic soprano Dame Nellie Melba, who adapted it from her hometown of Melbourne.
- French chef Auguste Escoffier named several dishes after Dame Nellie Melba, including Peach Melba and Melba toast.