Find out how popular the first name Melton has been for the last 42 years (from 1974 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Melton by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Melton is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Melton.

The history of the first name Melton

The given name Melton is of English origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English words "mēl" meaning "meal" and "tūn" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement". Essentially, Melton referred to a settlement or town where meal or grain was processed.

In the medieval period, Melton was a common place name in England, with several villages and towns bearing the name. Over time, it transitioned from being a place name to a surname, and eventually, a given name. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Melton as a personal name dates back to the 13th century.

While the name Melton does not have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is associated with the historical development of English settlements and the importance of agriculture in medieval times.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Melton was Sir John Melton (c. 1275 – 1335), an English knight and military commander who served in the Scottish Wars of Independence under King Edward I and Edward II.

Another famous bearer of the name was William Melton (c. 1530 – 1618), an English composer and organist who served at the Chapel Royal during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I.

In the 18th century, Melton Mowbray, a town in Leicestershire, England, became renowned for its pork pies, which are now known as Melton Mowbray pork pies. The town's name is derived from the same Old English roots as the given name Melton.

In the 19th century, Melton Mowbray was also associated with the sport of fox hunting, and the Melton Mowbray Hunt became one of the most famous fox hunting societies in England.

Other notable individuals with the name Melton include:

1. John Melton (c. 1510 – 1563), an English Roman Catholic priest and martyr.
2. Melton Prior (1845 – 1922), an English cricketer who played for Surrey County Cricket Club.
3. Melton Muskegon (1889 – 1934), an American jazz pianist and composer.
4. Melton Mustafa (1932 – 2011), an American actor and comedian known for his appearances on the TV show Barney Miller.
5. Melton Douglas (1950 – present), an American basketball player and coach who played in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Melton was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Melton, please contact us.

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