The name Melvin originated from the Old English words "mel" meaning "mills" or "from the mills" and "wine" meaning "friend." It was initially a surname that evolved into a given name. The name Melvin gained popularity in medieval England and was used among the working classes, particularly those associated with mills or residing near mills.

During the Anglo-Saxon era, the name Melvin appeared in various records and documents, such as the Domesday Book, which was a comprehensive survey of land and property commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This suggests that individuals bearing the name Melvin were present in England during that time period.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Melvin was Melvin de Prendwick, a landowner who lived in Northumberland, England, in the 13th century. Another notable figure was Melvin Burghersh, a 14th-century English nobleman and military commander who served under King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War.

In later centuries, the name Melvin continued to be used, although it was not as common as some other English names. One prominent bearer of the name was Melvin Belli, an American lawyer and author born in 1907, who was known as the "King of Torts" for his work in personal injury law.

Another notable Melvin was Melvin Calvin, an American chemist born in 1911, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1961 for his research on the carbon dioxide assimilation in plants, also known as the Calvin cycle.

Melvin Van Peebles, an American actor, filmmaker, and playwright born in 1932, is also widely recognized for his pioneering work in the Blaxploitation genre of films and his significant contributions to African American cinema.

Melvin Purvis, born in 1903, was a former FBI agent who played a crucial role in the capture of notorious criminals such as John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson during the 1930s.

Melvin Franklin, born in 1942, was an American bass singer and founding member of the legendary Motown vocal group The Temptations, known for his powerful bass vocals and smooth harmonies.