Melvin Dent

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Melvin Dent — French
243K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Melvin Dent is a name that combines French origins. The first name Melvin is a masculine given name of French origin. Melvin is a masculine given name and surname, likely a variant of Melville and a descendant of the French surname de Maleuin and the later Melwin. It may alternatively be spelled as Melvyn or, in Welsh, Melfyn and the name Melivinia or Melva may be used a feminine form. Of Norman French origin, originally Malleville, which translates to "bad town," it likely made its way into usage in Scotland as a result of the Norman conquest of England. It came into use as a given name as early as the 19th century, in English-speaking populations. The surname Dent: Dent is an English surname with two primary origins: a habitational name from places called Dent in Yorkshire and Cumbria, and a nickname derived from the Old French word dent meaning "tooth". Etymology and origin The surname most likely originates as a locational name from the villages of Dent in West Yorkshire and Cumberland—recorded circa 1200 as "Denet" and "Dinet"—from a British hill-name akin to Old Irish dinn/dind ("hill") and Old Norse tindr ("point, crag"). Alternatively, it may have arisen as a medieval nickname for someone notable for their teeth, from Old French *dent* (tooth). Melvin is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 243K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Melvin reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Melvin

French

Melvin is a masculine given name and surname, likely a variant of Melville and a descendant of the French surname de Maleuin and the later Melwin. It may alternatively be spelled as Melvyn or, in Welsh, Melfyn and the name Melivinia or Melva may be used a feminine form. Of Norman French origin, originally Malleville, which translates to "bad town," it likely made its way into usage in Scotland as a result of the Norman conquest of England. It came into use as a given name as early as the 19th century, in English-speaking populations.

Surname: Dent

Norse

Dent is an English surname with two primary origins: a habitational name from places called Dent in Yorkshire and Cumbria, and a nickname derived from the Old French word dent meaning "tooth". Etymology and origin The surname most likely originates as a locational name from the villages of Dent in West Yorkshire and Cumberland—recorded circa 1200 as "Denet" and "Dinet"—from a British hill-name akin to Old Irish dinn/dind ("hill") and Old Norse tindr ("point, crag"). Alternatively, it may have arisen as a medieval nickname for someone notable for their teeth, from Old French *dent* (tooth).

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Melvin is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Melvin by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Melvin Dent:

1
Expression Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

1
Soul Urge Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

9
Personality Number

Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Melvin?
The first name Melvin originates from French. Melvin is a masculine given name and surname, likely a variant of Melville and a descendant of the French surname de Maleuin and the later Melwin. It may alternatively be spelled as Melvyn or, in Welsh, Melfyn and the name Melivinia or Melva may be used a feminine form. Of Norman French origin, originally Malleville, which translates to "bad town," it likely made its way into usage in Scotland as a result of the Norman conquest of England. It came into use as a given name as early as the 19th century, in English-speaking populations.
When was Melvin most popular?
The name Melvin reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Dent?
The surname Dent originates from Norse. Dent is an English surname with two primary origins: a habitational name from places called Dent in Yorkshire and Cumbria, and a nickname derived from the Old French word dent meaning "tooth". Etymology and origin The surname most likely originates as a locational name from the villages of Dent in West Yorkshire and Cumberland—recorded circa 1200 as "Denet" and "Dinet"—from a British hill-name akin to Old Irish dinn/dind ("hill") and Old Norse tindr ("point, crag"). Alternatively, it may have arisen as a medieval nickname for someone notable for their teeth, from Old French *dent* (tooth).
What are the origins of the name Melvin Dent?
The name Melvin Dent combines two different traditions: the first name Melvin has French roots, while the surname Dent originates from Norse.
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