"honey, sweet"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Melinda
Pronunciation: [ m-uhl-IHND-uh ]
Does Melinda flow with your last name?
A honey-sweet name with a rich literary history
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English
Spanish
Hungarian
Classic
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Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"honey-beautiful (mel + linda)"
Origin: Greek/Spanish blend
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strong association with Melinda Gates (Microsoft co-founder's ex-wife) since 2021 divorce
The Story of Melinda
Melinda was likely invented in the 18th century, possibly as a combination of the 'Mel-' element (from Greek 'meli' meaning honey, found in Melissa) and the '-linda' suffix (from Spanish and Italian 'linda' meaning beautiful, or from Germanic 'linde' meaning gentle/tender). It may have been coined in English literature or by parents blending familiar elements. Belinda appears in earlier literature, and Melinda followed as a natural variation.
Melinda peaked in the US in the 1960s-70s, when it ranked in the Top 100. It has since declined but remains familiar and well-liked. The name is particularly popular in Hungary, where it has been in regular use for over a century.
In Hungary, Melinda became a national name through Jozsef Katona's 1819 drama 'Bánk bán', in which Melinda is a tragic heroine — the wife of a nobleman who is dishonored by the regent. The play is considered a cornerstone of Hungarian national literature.
Historical Record
Melinda first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 128,910 babies have been named Melinda in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Melinda is past its peak , currently ranked #2,097 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Melinda became a beloved Hungarian name through Katona's 1819 play 'Bánk bán', still performed regularly at Hungary's National Theatre
- The name blends Greek 'meli' (honey) with an '-inda' ending that appears in Lucinda, Belinda, and Rosalinda
Melinda in Other Languages
German
Melinda
Italian
Melinda
Spanish
Melinda
Hungarian
Melinda
Popularity Over Time
#2,097
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1973
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Melinda
M
Melinda French Gates
Humanitarian
1964
American philanthropist and co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest private charit...
American philanthropist and co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest private charitable organizations
M
Melinda Fictional
Other
Tragic heroine of Hungarian playwright József Katona's national drama 'Bánk bán' (1819)
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Compare Melinda with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,097
- Total SSA Count
- 91
- Cultural Origins
- American English Spanish Hungarian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mel
Mindy
Linda
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Melinda
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Melinda is also used as a boy name, ranked #29413.
View Melinda as a boy name →Similar Names
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Old French origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Melinda
What does the name Melinda mean?
"honey, sweet" (from Greek). "honey-beautiful (mel + linda)" (from Greek/Spanish blend). Melinda was likely invented in the 18th century, possibly as a combination of the 'Mel-' element (from Greek 'meli' meaning honey, found in Melissa) and the '-linda' suffix (from Spanish and Italian 'linda' meaning beautiful, or from Germanic 'linde' meaning gentle/tender). It may have been coined in English literature or by parents blending familiar elements. Belinda appears in earlier literature, and Melinda followed as a natural variation.
What is the origin of the name Melinda?
Melinda has Greek, Greek/Spanish blend, American, English, Spanish, and Hungarian origins. In Greek, it means "honey, sweet". In Greek/Spanish blend, it means "honey-beautiful (mel + linda)".
Is Melinda a boy or girl name?
Melinda is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2097. As a boy name, it is ranked #29413. Melinda is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Melinda?
Melinda is pronounced m-uhl-IHND-uh.
How popular is the name Melinda?
Melinda is currently ranked #2097 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Melinda?
Common nicknames for Melinda include Mel, Mindy, and Linda.
What are good middle names for Melinda?
Popular middle name pairings include Melinda Ann, Melinda Grace, Melinda Jane, Melinda Louise, Melinda Marie, and Melinda Sue.
What are good sibling names for Melinda?
Names that pair well with Melinda as siblings include Belinda, Lucinda, Brenda, Sandra, Wanda, and Kevin.
How many syllables does Melinda have?
Melinda has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Melinda a common or rare name?
Melinda is an uncommon name, ranked #2097 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Melinda?
About the Name Melinda
Melinda is a girl name with American, English, Spanish, and Hungarian origins . The name means "honey, sweet" in Greek .
Is Melinda a boy or girl name? Melinda is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,097 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #29,413. Melinda is more commonly used as a girl name.
Melinda is currently ranked #2,097 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Melinda has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-uhl-IHND-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Melinda include Mel, Mindy, and Linda. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Melinda include Melissa, Melina, Melia, Melisa . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis