Melba

Melba is a feminine given name that can also function as a surname. The name is most prominently associated with the Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba, born Helen Porter Mitchell (1861–1931). She adopted the stage name “Nellie Melba” in part from Melbourne, the city where she began her rise in opera, and the name gained international recognition through her celebrated career. As a result, Melba has become a recognizable eponym in music and culture.

The name Melba has been used in various cultural contexts beyond the singer. Peach Melba, a dessert of peaches, vanilla ice cream, and raspberry sauce, was created by the French chef Auguste Escoffier in honor of Nellie Melba in the 1890s. Melba toast, a very thinly sliced, toasted bread, was named for the soprano as well.

Geographically, Melba is the name of places in several countries, including Melba, Idaho, United States.

In modern usage, Melba may appear as a personal name or in cultural references tied to Nellie Melba’s legacy. It is relatively uncommon as a surname today.