US Popularity Rank: 10518

Origin: Scottish

Meaning: Bad settlement

If you’re looking for a unique name then Melville is for you. This Old French name made its way to Scotland when families fled from a poor settlement in Northern France. It literally translates to “bad settlement” and was likely adapted as a first name due to the novelist Herman Melville who is best known for writing Moby Dick. It’s traditionally given to boys and is ideal for those looking for something outside of the box.