Origin & Meaning of the Melville Surname
What does the last name Melville mean?
The surname Melville carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,355 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Melville ranks as the #7,623 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Melville come from?
The Melville surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Melville name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Melville trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Melville |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,623 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,355 |
| Per 100K People | 1.48 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Melville
According to the US Census, the Melville surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,355 Americans with the Melville last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.39% |
| Black | 11.32% |
| Hispanic | 2.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.26% |
| Native American | 0.69% |
| Two or More Races | 1.79% |
Popularity of Melville Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Melville surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Melville surname increased by 236 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Melville Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Melville ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Melville Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Melville Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Melville
- ✓ The Melville coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Melville families live today
- ✓ Notable Melville bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Melville
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Melville.
Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Melville.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melville
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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