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Home › Baby Names Directory › Melba

Melba

♀ Girl

Pronounced MEL-bah /ˈmɛl.bɑ/Medium

Meaning: Coined from the city of Melbourne by the Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba (born Helen Porter Mitchell), who took her stage name from her home city. A vintage tribute name.Low

In 30 seconds: A vintage tribute name: Melba comes from Melbourne, via soprano Nellie Melba (said 'MEL-bah'). Antique and musical.
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Origin MediumEnglish, Australian
MeaningCoined from the city of Melbourne by the Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba (born Helen Porter Mitchell), who took her stage name from her home city. A vintage tribute name.
U.S. rank (2025)#12736 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1924
Total births (all-time)≈ 34,873

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192418932025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Melba traces to the Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba, who fashioned her stage name from Melbourne. The name spread as a vintage tribute — and lent itself to Melba toast and Peach Melba. Antique and rare in the U.S. today (said 'MEL-bah').

In the U.S. it appears rarely, with an early-1900s vintage feel. Rare, vintage, and musical.

Did you know? Melba was coined by Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba, who took her stage name from her home city of Melbourne — the same name behind Melba toast and Peach Melba (said 'MEL-bah').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Melba — From Melbourne via soprano Nellie Melba; vintage tribute name

Variations

MelvaMelbah

Nicknames

MelBee

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Melba…

Velma— a like early-1900s vintage pick
Mabel— a like antique-revival name
Myrtle— a like turn-of-century classic
Maggie— another vintage pick
Mattie— another English name

Explore names like Melba

By themeenglishvintagemusical

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Melba mean?

Melba was coined from Melbourne by soprano Dame Nellie Melba, who took her stage name from her home city.

How do you pronounce Melba?

It's said MEL-bah /ˈmɛl.bɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Melba a boy or girl name?

Melba is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Melba?

Melba is a rare name in the U.S.

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