Melanie
Melanie is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Dark, black”, pronounced MEL-uh-nee. It ranked #142 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,074 babies, and peaked at #42 in 1972. Common nicknames: Mel, Lanie.
How popular is Melanie in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Melanie mean, and where does it come from?
Melanie derives from the Greek "melas," meaning "dark" or "black," originally used to describe dark hair or complexion. The name was borne by the 5th-century Saint Melania the Younger, a Roman noblewoman celebrated for renouncing her vast wealth to live a life of Christian asceticism. Melanie gained widespread popularity in the English-speaking world in the mid-20th century, notably through the gentle, virtuous character Melanie Hamilton Wilkes in Gone with the Wind. Its soft, graceful sound has kept it a steady favorite across generations.
How is Melanie used around the world?
Melanie is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 5+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Melanie?
Famous People Named Melanie
- Melanie Griffith — American actress
- Melanie Martinez — American singer-songwriter
- Melanie Hamilton — character from Gone with the Wind
Similar Names to Melanie
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Sibling Name Ideas for Melanie
Looking for names that pair well with Melanie? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Melanie mean?
Melanie is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Dark, black." Melanie derives from the Greek "melas," meaning "dark" or "black," originally used to describe dark hair or complexion. The name was borne by the 5th-century Saint Melania the Younger, a Roman noblewoman celebrated for renouncing her vast wealth to live a life of Christian asceticism.
How do you pronounce Melanie?
Melanie is pronounced MEL-uh-nee. Common variations include Melany, Melani, Melania.
Is Melanie a girl name?
Yes, Melanie is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Mel, Lanie.