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Melody

♀ Girl

Pronounced MEL-oh-dee /ˈmɛl.ə.di/High

Meaning: Song; musical tune — from Greek melodia (song, music), from melos (song) + ode (song)High

In 30 seconds: A lyrical Greek name literally meaning 'song,' Melody is one of the most musical given names in the English language. It has been a charming American choice since the mid-20th century.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningSong; musical tune — from Greek melodia (song, music), from melos (song) + ode (song)
Peak year1960
Total births (all-time)≈ 94,185

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196019142017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Melody comes directly from the Greek melodia, meaning 'song' or 'musical tune,' combining melos (song) and ode (song). As a given name it belongs to the 20th-century American tradition of using musical and concept words for girls.

Melody has been in use in the United States since the 1940s, and has been a steady top-200 choice. It has risen in recent years alongside other musical names.

Did you know? The word melody entered English via Latin and Old French from Greek melodia, which itself combines melos (song) and aeidein (to sing) — both words that gave us the word ode.

Variations

MelodieMelodia

Nicknames

MelMelly

Famous Bearers

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If you like Melody…

Harmony— musical concept name with the same lyrical, aspirational quality
Aria— Italian/Greek musical term used as a name with the same melodic brevity

Frequently Asked

What does the name Melody mean?

Melody comes from the Greek melodia, meaning 'song' or 'musical tune,' from melos (song) and ode (song).

How do you pronounce Melody?

It is said MEL-oh-dee /ˈmɛl.ə.di/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Melody a boy or girl name?

Melody is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Melody?

Melody has been a steady top-200 U.S. girls' name for several decades.