Girl · 1253rd of 30,306
Melani
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
5,676
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2020
Peak Popularity Year
258
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Melani stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Melani is a name of Greek origin meaning 'dark' or 'black.' It has evolved from historical forms like Melania. The name is often associated with traits of elegance and sophistication, and it does not have a biblical relevance. Melani has gained popularity in the 20th century, and today it is perceived positively with a unique cultural depth.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/məˈlɑːni/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Melani derives from the Greek word 'melas,' meaning 'black' or 'dark.' It is often associated with dark-haired or dark-skinned individuals.
Meaning
dark, black
Language Evolution
Melania, Melani, Melany
Historical Usage
Melani gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as variants of the name Melania became more common.
Variants & Derivatives
Melania, Melany, Mela
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary times, Melani is seen as a unique and elegant name that carries a sense of sophistication and cultural depth.
Famous People
Melani McAlister - American scholar, Melani M. - Known for contributions in various fields
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 258 peak births in 2020
Geographic Spread
Popular across 30 US states, with strongest presence in Arizona
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 17 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 5 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2561st of 12526 | 371 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1902nd of 19264 | 747 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3191st of 27321 | 515 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1798th of 35406 | 1,754 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1253rd of 30306 | 2,289 |