Melville \m(e)-lville, mel-ville\ as a boy's name is of Old French origin, and the meaning of Melville is "bad settlement". Surname adopted by those fleeing to Scotland from a poorly placed settlement in northern France. Use as a personal name may be due to the fame of novelist Herman Melville (19th century), author of Moby Dick.
For more information, see also the related name Melvin.