Melvin

Melvin is a masculine given name used in English-speaking countries. It has historical usage in the United States and appears in various cultural contexts through immigration and Anglophone adaptation. The name is commonly shortened to Mel as a nickname, and in some cases Melvin also functions as a surname or appears in place names, though these uses are relatively less common.

Origin and meaning: The precise origin of Melvin is uncertain. It has been linked in various theories to Gaelic and Welsh roots, and it likely spread through medieval surnames that later became given names in the 19th and 20th centuries. Because of its long-standing usage, Melvin is typically viewed as a traditional, established name rather than one with a specific, fixed meaning.

Notable people named Melvin include a range of figures from entertainment, science, sports, and politics. Mel Brooks, born Melvin Kaminsky in 1926, is an American filmmaker, actor, and comedian. Melvin Calvin (1911–1997) was an American chemist and Nobel laureate. Melvin Van Peebles (1932–2021) was an American filmmaker and writer. Mel Tillis (1932–2017) was an American country singer and songwriter. Melvin Laird (1922–2016) was an American politician and Secretary of Defense. Melvin Gordon (born 1993) is an American football running back. Melvin Mora (born 1972) is a Venezuelan-American former MLB infielder. Melvin Upton Jr. (born 1984) is an American baseball outfielder.

Related names and usage: The name Melvin is related to the nickname Mel and to the broader tradition of given names that originated as surnames. The form Melville is sometimes cited as a related name in literary and cultural contexts.