Meaning, origin, history
Melbourne is an unusual and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the name of the city in Australia, which was founded by settlers from England and named after the then British Prime Minister, William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne.
The name Melbourne itself means "from the mill stream" or "mill town". This refers to the city's origins as a settlement around a mill located on a riverbank. However, when the name was used for the Australian city, it was primarily chosen for its association with William Lamb, who served as Prime Minister from 1834 to 1841.
Prior to the establishment of the city in Australia, Melbourne was not a commonly used given name. After the city's founding in 1835, however, it began to gain popularity as a given name in Australia and eventually spread to other English-speaking countries around the world.
Today, Melbourne is still relatively uncommon as a given name compared to more traditional names like John or William. However, its unique association with the vibrant Australian city makes it a distinctive choice for parents looking for an unusual and memorable name for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Melbourne since 1880
Total births
1,012
Total since 1880
Peak year
1922
44 births
in 1989
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years