Girl · 101st of 35,406
Melanie
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
261,158
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1972
Peak Popularity Year
6,319
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Melanie stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛləni/
Origin
Greek
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.'
Meaning
darkness
Language Evolution
Melania (Latin), Melanie (French), Melanie (English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century and was particularly used in literary contexts.
Variants & Derivatives
Melani, Melina, Mel, Lanie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Melanie is perceived as a classic and elegant name that is both timeless and fashionable.
Famous People
Melanie Griffith, Melanie C (of the Spice Girls), Melanie Martinez
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 6,319 peak births in 1972
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
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 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 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |