Melanie Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Melanie Name Meaning

Fact: Melanie is a prominent character in Margaret Mitchell’s classic novel “Gone with the Wind.”

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A Deep Dive

Melanie Overview

Meaning

Black, dark

Gender

Girl

Origin

Greek

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word “melaina,” meaning “black, dark”​

Pronunciation

/ˈmel.ə.ni/

Popularity

Melanie gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the mid-20th century. It was particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s and continues to be a well-loved name. Ranked #130 for girls in the USA in 2023.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

5 (Visionary, Expansive, Adventurous)

Name Styles

Classic, Long, Traditional

Associated Traits

Elegant, classic, sophisticated, strong, compassionate

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

The name Melanie is associated with two 5th-century Roman saints, Saint Melania the Elder and her granddaughter, Saint Melania the Younger.

Name Day

October 6 (Austria), December 31 (Austria), September 12 (Estonia)
A Deep Dive

Melanie Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Melany, Melania, Melaney, Melani, Melannie

Common Nicknames

Mel, Lanie, Mellie, Mimi, Nia

Diminutives

Mel, Lani, Lina, Mela, Nini

Famous People

  • Melanie Griffith
    (American Actress)
  • Melanie Martinez
    (American Singer)
  • Melanie Lynskey
    (New Zealand Actress)
  • Melanie Chisholm
    (British Singer)
  • Melanie Laurent
    (French Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Melanie Hamilton
    ("Gone with the Wind," Film)
  • "Melanie's Melody"
    (Novel)
  • Melanie Martinez
    ("Cry Baby," Album)
  • Melanie Daniels
    ("The Birds," Film)
  • "Melanie's Secret"
    (TV Series)

What Is the Meaning of Melanie?

Melanie, meaning “dark” or “black” from the Greek “melas,” frequently suggests introspection and thoughtfulness.

What Is the Origin of The Name Melanie?

The name Melanie originates from the Greek name “Melania.” It was popularized in France during the Middle Ages and later adopted into English-speaking countries.

Melanie Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Melanie in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#1292021#1302022#1302023
Top 3 Rankings#421972#431973#511974

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Melanie

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023130
No change from 2022
2114
(-57 from 2022)
0.12086
2022130
(-1 from 2021)
2171
(-15 from 2021)
0.12108
2021129
(-24 from 2020)
2186
(-340 from 2020)
0.12202
2020105
(+5 from 2019)
2526
(-65 from 2019)
0.14290
2019110
(-5 from 2018)
2591
(-259 from 2018)
0.14121
2018105
(-15 from 2017)
2850
(-387 from 2017)
0.15325
201790
(-8 from 2016)
3237
(-251 from 2016)
0.17135
201682
(-1 from 2015)
3488
(-6 from 2015)
0.18018
201581
No change from 2014
3494
(-203 from 2014)
0.17910
201481
(+3 from 2013)
3697
(+223 from 2013)
0.18898
201384
(-7 from 2012)
3474
(+7 from 2012)
0.18022
201277
(+12 from 2011)
3467
(+179 from 2011)
0.17876
201189
(-7 from 2010)
3288
(-198 from 2010)
0.16969
201082
(+12 from 2009)
3486
No change from 2009
0.17779
200994
(-9 from 2008)
3486
(-228 from 2008)
0.17214
200885
(-4 from 2007)
3714
(-286 from 2007)
0.17831
200781
(+4 from 2006)
4000
(-34 from 2006)
0.18899
200685
(+7 from 2005)
4034
(+539 from 2005)
0.19297
200592
(-3 from 2004)
3495
(-86 from 2004)
0.17220
200489
(+4 from 2003)
3581
(+31 from 2003)
0.17747
200393
(+1 from 2002)
3550
(+66 from 2002)
0.17693
200294
(+23 from 2001)
3484
(+571 from 2001)
0.17640
2001117
(-3 from 2000)
2913
(-55 from 2000)
0.14705
2000114
(+12 from 1999)
2968
(+319 from 1999)
0.14872
1999126
(+9 from 1998)
2649
(+188 from 1998)
0.13607
1998135
(-8 from 1997)
2461
(-61 from 1997)
0.12695
1997127
(-8 from 1996)
2522
(-141 from 1996)
0.13209
1996119
(-2 from 1995)
2663
(+17 from 1995)
0.13890
1995117
(+3 from 1994)
2646
(-33 from 1994)
0.13770
1994120
(-10 from 1993)
2679
(-308 from 1993)
0.13743
1993110
(-12 from 1992)
2987
(-365 from 1992)
0.15151
199298
(-2 from 1991)
3352
(-228 from 1991)
0.16721
199196
(-10 from 1990)
3580
(-233 from 1990)
0.17606
199086
(+2 from 1989)
3813
(+184 from 1989)
0.18560
198988
(+11 from 1988)
3629
(+795 from 1988)
0.18216
198899
(+3 from 1987)
2834
(+89 from 1987)
0.14737
1987102
(-5 from 1986)
2745
(-229 from 1986)
0.14646
198697
(-9 from 1985)
2974
(-159 from 1985)
0.16115
198588
(-3 from 1984)
3133
(-382 from 1984)
0.16969
198485
(-6 from 1983)
3515
(-38 from 1983)
0.19492
198379
(-14 from 1982)
3553
(-703 from 1982)
0.19853
198265
(+1 from 1981)
4256
(-218 from 1981)
0.23458
198166
(-6 from 1980)
4474
(-369 from 1980)
0.25015
198060
(-7 from 1979)
4843
(-177 from 1979)
0.27198
197953
(+1 from 1978)
5020
(+23 from 1978)
0.29131
197854
(-1 from 1977)
4997
(-376 from 1977)
0.30397
197753
No change from 1976
5373
(+133 from 1976)
0.32663
197653
(-1 from 1975)
5240
(-128 from 1975)
0.33336
197552
(-1 from 1974)
5368
(-115 from 1974)
0.34391
197451
(-8 from 1973)
5483
(-596 from 1973)
0.35007
197343
(-1 from 1972)
6079
(-216 from 1972)
0.39116
197242
(+24 from 1971)
6295
(+1161 from 1971)
0.39038
197166
(+25 from 1970)
5134
(+805 from 1970)
0.29294
197091
(+1 from 1969)
4329
(+404 from 1969)
0.23632
196992
(+2 from 1968)
3925
(+282 from 1968)
0.22267
196894
(+16 from 1967)
3643
(+534 from 1967)
0.21308
1967110
(+6 from 1966)
3109
(+59 from 1966)
0.18109
1966116
(+6 from 1965)
3050
(-66 from 1965)
0.17371
1965122
(-17 from 1964)
3116
(-825 from 1964)
0.17051
1964105
(-4 from 1963)
3941
(-326 from 1963)
0.20134
1963101
(+5 from 1962)
4267
(-14 from 1962)
0.21463
1962106
(+17 from 1961)
4281
(+525 from 1961)
0.21121
1961123
(+2 from 1960)
3756
(+94 from 1960)
0.18083
1960125
(+24 from 1959)
3662
(+834 from 1959)
0.17608
1959149
(+8 from 1958)
2828
(+294 from 1958)
0.13605
1958157
(-5 from 1957)
2534
(+59 from 1957)
0.12267
1957152
(-9 from 1956)
2475
(-217 from 1956)
0.11796
1956143
(-2 from 1955)
2692
(+33 from 1955)
0.13071
1955141
(+37 from 1954)
2659
(+800 from 1954)
0.13263
1954178
(+32 from 1953)
1859
(+436 from 1953)
0.09338
1953210
(+1 from 1952)
1423
(+72 from 1952)
0.07375
1952211
(+33 from 1951)
1351
(+345 from 1951)
0.07103
1951244
(-7 from 1950)
1006
(-20 from 1950)
0.05446
1950237
(-20 from 1949)
1026
(-173 from 1949)
0.05834
1949217
(+24 from 1948)
1199
(+244 from 1948)
0.06830
1948241
(+109 from 1947)
955
(+435 from 1947)
0.05480
1947350
(+24 from 1946)
520
(+110 from 1946)
0.02860
1946374
(+10 from 1945)
410
(+75 from 1945)
0.02542
1945384
(+26 from 1944)
335
(+27 from 1944)
0.02489
1944410
(-57 from 1943)
308
(-99 from 1943)
0.02254
1943353
(+1 from 1942)
407
(+19 from 1942)
0.02835
1942354
(+39 from 1941)
388
(+80 from 1941)
0.02790
1941393
(+84 from 1940)
308
(+108 from 1940)
0.02472
1940477
(+453 from 1939)
200
(+143 from 1939)
0.01693
1939930
(+42 from 1938)
57
(+4 from 1938)
0.00503
1938972
(+172 from 1937)
53
(+14 from 1937)
0.00464
19371144
(+1119 from 1936)
39
(+26 from 1936)
0.00354
19362263
(+663 from 1935)
13
(+4 from 1935)
0.00121
19352926
(-3 from 1934)
9
No change from 1934
0.00083
19342923
(-1017 from 1933)
9
(-8 from 1933)
0.00083
19331906
(+131 from 1932)
17
(+1 from 1932)
0.00163
19322037
(-96 from 1931)
16
(-1 from 1931)
0.00145
19311941
(+611 from 1930)
17
(+5 from 1930)
0.00154
19302552
(-454 from 1929)
12
(-4 from 1929)
0.00103
19292098
(-201 from 1928)
16
(-4 from 1928)
0.00138
19281897
(-310 from 1927)
20
(-7 from 1927)
0.00167
19271587
(+345 from 1926)
27
(+7 from 1926)
0.00218
19261932
(+446 from 1925)
20
(+5 from 1925)
0.00163
19252378
(+283 from 1924)
15
(+2 from 1924)
0.00119
19242661
(+71 from 1923)
13
(+1 from 1923)
0.00100
19232732
(-623 from 1922)
12
(-6 from 1922)
0.00096
19222109
(+173 from 1921)
18
(+2 from 1921)
0.00144
19212282
(-656 from 1920)
16
(-10 from 1920)
0.00125
19201626
(+437 from 1919)
26
(+9 from 1919)
0.00209
19192063
(-309 from 1918)
17
(-5 from 1918)
0.00145
19181754
(+450 from 1917)
22
(+7 from 1917)
0.00183
19172204
(+42 from 1916)
15
(+1 from 1916)
0.00133
19162246
(-574 from 1915)
14
(-6 from 1915)
0.00129
19151672
(+966 from 1914)
20
(+12 from 1914)
0.00195
19142638
(-872 from 1913)
8
(-4 from 1913)
0.00100
19131766
(-588 from 1912)
12
(-8 from 1912)
0.00183
19121178
(+478 from 1911)
20
(+11 from 1911)
0.00341
19111656
(+117 from 1910)
9
(+1 from 1910)
0.00204
19101773
(-404 from 1909)
8
(-2 from 1909)
0.00191
19091369
(-108 from 1908)
10
(-1 from 1908)
0.00272
19081261
(-119 from 1907)
11
(-1 from 1907)
0.00310
19071142
(+274 from 1906)
12
(+4 from 1906)
0.00356
19061416
(+122 from 1905)
8
(+1 from 1905)
0.00255
19051538
(-52 from 1904)
7
No change from 1904
0.00226
19041486
(+306 from 1903)
7
(+2 from 1903)
0.00239
19031792
(-326 from 1901)
5
(-1 from 1901)
0.00180
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19011466
(-413 from 1900)
6
(-7 from 1900)
0.00236
19001053
(+46 from 1899)
13
(+4 from 1899)
0.00409
18991099
(-52 from 1898)
9
(-2 from 1898)
0.00364
18981047
(+216 from 1897)
11
(+4 from 1897)
0.00401
18971263
(+36 from 1895)
7
No change from 1895
0.00282
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18951299
(-301 from 1894)
7
(-3 from 1894)
0.00283
1894998
(+439 from 1893)
10
(+5 from 1893)
0.00424
18931437
(-352 from 1892)
5
(-3 from 1892)
0.00222
18921085
(+128 from 1891)
8
(+2 from 1891)
0.00356
18911213
(-188 from 1889)
6
(-1 from 1889)
0.00305
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18891025
(+11 from 1887)
7
(+1 from 1887)
0.00370
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18871036
(-208 from 1886)
6
(-2 from 1886)
0.00386
1886828
First SSA data recorded
8
First SSA data recorded
0.00520
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Melanie

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#652021#712022#632023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#842021#632022#802023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#1212021#1472022#1322023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#1102021#1352022#1332023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#2602021#2212022#2152023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#1072021#1032022#1182023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2512021#2992022#2712023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1502021#1312022#1542023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#2072021#2432022#2882023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#1292021#1312022#1192023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1492021#1562022#1342023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#1422021#1782022#1852023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#1602021#1602022#1912023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#1522021#1282022#1202023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#1862021#1662022#1732023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#1862021#3752022#1562023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2802021#3452022#3582023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#2422021#2682022#4312023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#942021#662022#1042023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1532021#1202022#1102023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#1972021#1872022#1612023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3872021#2032022#2932023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#2342021#1992022#1852023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#2382021#2272022#1722023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#1572021#1412022#1542023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1952021#2782022#1962023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#2382021#1922022#2092023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1502021#1852022#2322023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#1782021#2072022#1572023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1672021#2852022#2102023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#1932021#1772022#2882023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#2432021#1662022#2802023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#3052021#2172022#2312023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#1322021#2112022#1952023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#992021#1622022#792023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#992021#782022#1042023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2912013#3222017#3422023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1892021#1922022#2312023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1972020#3542022#3672023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1992020#2352021#1372022

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2232003#2832011#1082023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1712019#1402020#2042022

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1582011#2622016#2452019

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2532016#1532019#2172023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1392014#1412016#2452023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2392013#1912019#1952021

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1611997#1492005#2382018

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1142020#1282021#1032023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#2172015#1792018#1602021

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1072003#1422008#732013

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1021995#1191996#1212002

Popularity Rankings for Melanie in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#701995#781996#821997

Popularity in Mexico

Mexico flagMexico#1072020#1152021

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#1362022#1202023

Popularity in Portugal

Portugal flagPortugal#1232018

Popularity in Austria

Austria flagAustria#1232020#1502021#1752022

Popularity in Chile

Chile flagChile#1752012#1822013#1982015

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina flagArgentina#1802013#2002014#1862015

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#1981997

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#2412017#2632018#2062023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#2992021#3892022#8562023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#3062016#3612018#3362019

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#4482008#3652009#3152012

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#3322021#3212022#4242023

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#3312019#3322020#4652022

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#3632020#4972021#4202022

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#4722018#4712020#4002023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#4532016#4492018#4062019

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#5622019#9742020#5002022

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#5022021#5312022#7232023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#7612019#7202020#8122021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Melanie a Name for Boys or Girls?

In many cultures, Melanie is considered a delicate and elegant name for girls, often associated with grace and beauty.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Melanie

Melanie in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Melanie Griffith (Actress, born 1957): An American actress known for her roles in films like "Working Girl" and "Body Double."
  • Melanie Martinez (Singer, born 1995): An American singer-songwriter famous for her unique style and hits like "Dollhouse" and "Cry Baby."
  • Melanie Lynskey (Actress, born 1977): A New Zealand actress recognized for her roles in "Heavenly Creatures" and "Two and a Half Men."
  • Melanie Chisholm (Singer, born 1974): A British singer best known as Mel C or Sporty Spice from the pop group Spice Girls.
  • Melanie Laurent (Actress, born 1983): A French actress and filmmaker known for her roles in "Inglourious Basterds" and "Beginners."
  • Melanie Brown (Singer, born 1975): A British singer known as Mel B or Scary Spice from the pop group Spice Girls.
  • Melanie Safka (Singer, born 1947): An American singer-songwriter famous for her performance at Woodstock and her hit song "Brand New Key."
  • Melanie Klein (Psychoanalyst, 1882–1960): An Austrian-British psychoanalyst who pioneered techniques in child psychoanalysis.
  • Melanie Hamilton ("Gone with the Wind," 1939 Film): A gentle and kind-hearted character who remains loyal to her loved ones throughout the American Civil War.
  • "Melanie's Melody" (2015 Novel): Chronicles the journey of Melanie, a young musician finding her voice and place in the world.
  • Melanie Martinez ("Cry Baby," 2015 Album): Features a collection of songs by the American singer-songwriter, known for her unique and creative style.
  • Melanie Daniels ("The Birds," 1963 Film): A socialite who faces a terrifying series of bird attacks in a small California town.
  • "Melanie's Secret" (2018 TV Series): Follows Melanie as she uncovers hidden truths about her family's mysterious past.
  • Melanie Stryder ("The Host," 2008 Novel): A strong-willed human resisting an alien invasion that takes over people's minds.
  • Melanie Parker ("One Fine Day," 1996 Film): A single mother navigating the challenges of career and parenthood while finding unexpected romance.
  • "Melanie's Dream" (2020 Video Game): An adventure game where players help Melanie achieve her dreams in a fantastical world.
  • Melanie Vallejo ("Winners & Losers," 2011 TV Series): Plays Sophie Wong, a character dealing with the ups and downs of life with her friends.
  • "Melanie's Wish" (2017 Comic Book Series): Follows Melanie, a young girl with the power to grant wishes, as she learns the true meaning of her abilities.
  • Melanie Park (Western Australia, Australia): A suburban park in Perth offering playgrounds and green spaces for family activities.
  • Melanie Bay (Nova Scotia, Canada): A coastal bay located on the southeastern shore of Nova Scotia.
  • Melanie Cove (British Columbia, Canada): A picturesque cove in Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park, popular for boating and kayaking.
  • Melanie Lake (Minnesota, USA): A freshwater lake located in the northern part of Minnesota, ideal for fishing and swimming.
  • Melanie's Garden (Ontario, Canada): A botanical garden situated in Hamilton, featuring a variety of plant species and walking paths.
  • Melanie Island (Queensland, Australia): An island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, offering diving and snorkeling opportunities.
  • Melanie Drive (Ontario, Canada): A residential street in Mississauga, lined with family homes and local amenities.
  • Melanie Falls (California, USA): A waterfall located in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains, accessible via a hiking trail.

Similar Names to Melanie

Sibling Names for Melanie