Melnyk

Melnyk is a Ukrainian surname meaning "miller." It is derived from the Ukrainian word melnyk (мельник), which refers to a person who owns or operates a mill. As the most common surname in Ukraine, Melnyk reflects the historical importance of milling in Ukrainian agricultural society, where millers were essential community figures.

The surname is widespread across Ukraine and among the Ukrainian diaspora. Its Russian counterpart is Melnik. A common variant is Melnychuk, which uses the diminutive suffix -chuk, originally meaning "son of the miller."

In the United States, the surname Melnyk is relatively uncommon. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, it was the 18,478th most common surname, with 1,496 bearers, the vast majority of whom identified as White (96.93%). The surname is most frequently found among individuals of Ukrainian heritage, particularly in states with large Ukrainian-American communities such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

• Meaning: Miller
• Origin: Ukrainian
• Type: Occupational surname
• Usage regions: Ukraine, Ukrainian diaspora (especially United States, Canada)