Melanie Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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.
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.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Melanie"
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
Explore More Melanie Name Visualizations
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.