US Popularity Rank: 11696

Origin: Celtic

Meaning: Chieftain; Handmaiden; Ruler; Warrior; Honey

Melva, with its Celtic origins in Ireland and Scotland, is a name steeped in history, meaning "chieftain," "handmaiden," and "ruler." Derived from the Irish term meallbhach, signifying "warrior" with a touch of sweetness from "honey," this name reflects bravery with a delightful twist. In the Middle Ages, it transformed into Melvin, Melvyn, and Melva, honoring the courage of Scottish and Irish tribes. Melva gained popularity among Irish and Scottish immigrant families in 19th-century England and Wales and later in the US during the 1930s and 1940s. With its Celtic roots and Latin origins, the name carries a legacy of defending family and embracing the outdoors, the Latin connection referring to a type of Spanish tuna. Whether tied to heroic deeds or the sea, your little one will inherit a name rich in centuries of significance.