Melinda is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is derived from the Greek words "melí" meaning "honey," and "dōn" meaning "gift." Therefore, Melinda can be interpreted as "gift of honey."
The name Melinda has been in use since at least the Middle Ages, but it became more popular during the 20th century. It gained prominence through its association with characters in literature and entertainment.
One notable character named Melinda is from the novel "Melindina" written by the German author Friedrich Hebbel in 1847. The story tells of a young woman who defies societal norms to pursue her own happiness, which may have contributed to the name's appeal among progressive parents of the time.
Another contributing factor to Melinda's popularity is its association with celebrities. For instance, American singer-songwriter Melinda Doolittle gained widespread recognition after competing on the sixth season of the television show "American Idol" in 2007.
In summary, Melinda is a charming and distinctive feminine name of Greek origin that has been in use for centuries. Its meaning, "gift of honey," adds to its sweetness and appeal. Throughout history, notable characters and celebrities have helped popularize this beautiful name.
The name Melinda has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past six decades, as reflected in the birth statistics provided.
From 1954 to 1965, the number of babies named Melinda remained relatively low, with an average of about 7 births per year. However, starting in 1966, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name, with 10 births recorded that year. This trend continued through the late 1960s and early 1970s, peaking at 19 births in 1971.
The 1970s saw a general decline in the number of babies named Melinda, though there were still notable spikes in popularity, such as the 18 births recorded in 1975. The 1980s showed a more consistent pattern, with an average of about 9 births per year.
Interestingly, despite the overall decrease in popularity, there was a small resurgence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with 10 births recorded in 1988 and 7 births in 1989. However, this trend did not continue, as only 5 births were recorded in 1994.
Overall, over the course of these six decades, a total of 337 babies have been named Melinda in the United States. While the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, it has nevertheless remained a distinctive and recognizable choice for parents during this period.