Mel

♀ Girl

Mel Pronunciation

Mel is pronounced MEL /ˈmɛl/High

Meaning: A short form, variously of Melanie (Greek, 'dark; black') and Melissa (Greek, 'a bee', linked to 'honey'); used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Dark; honey; a bee: Mel shortens Melanie/Melissa. Crisp, friendly, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'MEL').

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Origin LowGreek

MeaningA short form, variously of Melanie (Greek, 'dark; black') and Melissa (Greek, 'a bee', linked to 'honey'); used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#6819 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births17 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2004

Total births (all-time)≈ 492

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Mel is a short form — variously of Melanie (Greek, 'dark; black') and Melissa (Greek, 'a bee', linked to meli, 'honey'; routes layered, which we note). A crisp, friendly name, used for both sexes, here for girls (slug distinguished).

In the U.S. it appears as a nickname-name. Rare on its own, dark-or-honey at the root, and friendly.

Did you know? Melanie means 'dark; black' and Melissa 'a bee' (linked to 'honey') in Greek — Mel is a crisp short form of both, used for both sexes (here for girls; the routes are layered; said 'MEL').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Melanie; Melissa — routes layered

Variations

MelanieMelissaMell

Themes & Styles

Uncertain Unisex Greek Nickname-name

If you like Mel…

Liv— a sound-neighbor short unisex girls' name

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Kit— another short unisex girls' name

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Jett— a fellow Greek choice

→ See all names like Mel

Browse the whole category: All Greek names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Mel?

Mel is pronounced MEL (/ˈmɛl/). Press play above to hear Mel said aloud.

How do you say Mel?

Mel is said MEL (/ˈmɛl/). Press play above to hear Mel said aloud.

What does the name Mel mean?

Mel shortens Melanie ('dark') and Melissa ('a bee; honey'); the routes are layered.

Is Mel a boy or girl name?

Mel is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Mel?

Mel is a rare name on its own in the U.S.