Meaning: Its source is Melbourne, an English name meaning "Border."

Languages: This girl's name is used in English and Spanish.

Popularity: The name Melba ranked 493rd in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

This name is highly rated in the 1990 U.S. Census popularity survey of all ages, but after 1960 does not appear in the state data listing the most popular baby names.

Narrative: This name was created as a surname by opera diva Nellie Melba (born Helen Mitchel in 1860, died 1931). She named herself after her home town, Melbourne Australia. Such was her fame that numerous dishes were named after her, including Melba Toast and Peach Melba.

The city of Melbourne takes its name from British politician William Lamb Melbourne (1779-1848).