Melanie
Complete Name Analysis & Etymology Guide
261,158 Total Births
145 Years of Data
1972 Peak Popularity Year
6,319 Peak Births

Melanie Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

Melanie has its origins in Greek, derived from the word for 'dark.' Over time, it has evolved through Latin and French into its modern English form. The name is associated with elegance and has seen a resurgence in popularity in the 19th century. It does not have specific biblical relevance.

Etymology & Cultural Background of "Melanie"

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Pronunciation

/ˈmɛləni/

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Origin

Greek

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Etymology

The name Melanie derives from the Greek word 'melas,' meaning 'black' or 'dark.' It was used as a feminine name in the context of 'darkness' or 'the dark one.'

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Meaning

darkness

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Language Evolution

Melania (Latin), Melanie (French), Melanie (English)

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Historical Usage

The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century and was particularly used in literary contexts.

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Variants & Derivatives

Melani, Melina, Mel, Lanie

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Modern Popularity & Image

Currently, Melanie is perceived as a classic and elegant name that is both timeless and fashionable.

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Famous People

Melanie Griffith, Melanie C (of the Spice Girls), Melanie Martinez

📊 Melanie Name Trend Analysis

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Boy Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable
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Girl Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Declining
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable

Explore More Melanie Name Visualizations

✨ Melanie Name Meaning & Significance

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Popularity Trend

Highly Popular name with 6,319 peak births in 1972

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Geographic Spread

Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada

Historical Span

Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends

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Generational Impact

Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity

🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Melanie" - Complete Guide (17 Names)

Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Melanie". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 17 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.

Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Melanie" that fits your preferences.

Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Melanie"

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 of "Melanie"

"Melanie" Popularity Across American Generations

Generation Gender Rank Total Names
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Boy 4452nd of 7552 50
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Boy 2589th of 10718 229
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 3924th of 16616 207
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 8496th of 24088 116
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Boy 18910th of 23106 12
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Girl 1860th of 9107 358
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Girl 639th of 9204 2,224
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Girl 158th of 12526 42,843
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 73rd of 19264 75,003
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Girl 95th of 27321 52,831
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 101st of 35406 53,101
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Girl 99th of 30306 34,087

Regional Popularity of "Melanie" by Generation for Male Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - - -
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
- - - -
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
- - - -
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
- - 51.44%
2672nd/5194
63.94%
4039th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- 76.12%
3931st/5164
63.95%
4677th/7313
-
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

Regional Popularity of "Melanie" by Generation for Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - 73.50%
1739th/2366
-
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
32.92%
509th/1546
31.49%
490th/1556
29.75%
700th/2353
32.97%
510th/1547
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
7.63%
170th/2227
7.16%
174th/2430
5.08%
145th/2853
5.84%
162nd/2775
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
3.00%
88th/2937
2.35%
82nd/3483
1.65%
58th/3518
1.73%
70th/4044
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
2.77%
102nd/3685
1.81%
81st/4475
1.91%
99th/5194
1.63%
103rd/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
3.27%
150th/4582
1.80%
93rd/5164
1.31%
96th/7313
0.87%
65th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
3.92%
156th/3984
2.96%
133rd/4487
1.44%
98th/6822
1.07%
67th/6276

State-by-State Popularity of "Melanie"

This map shows the relative popularity of "Melanie" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.

Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Melanie" in the United States

The name Melanie is most popular in Nevada, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Melanie has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, too rising for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Melanie' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4452nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2589th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3924th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8496th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 18910th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1860th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 639th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 158th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 73rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 95th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 101st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 99th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Melanie' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Infographic: Melanie name meaning, origin, and popularity trends in the United States (US baby name analysis chart)
[600x500px image] Etymology and historical popularity of Melanie,