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NamyLab

Melanie

female
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Dark; Black"

Melanie derives from Greek terms for dark or black and was disseminated through Christian saints and later European usage.

Themes:greekcolorclassicfeminine
ClassicTraditionalTimeless

Fact-checked by Dr. Elena Vasquez

Ph.D. Medieval History, StanfordPublished Academic ResearcherHistory Professor (Adjunct) • Historical Names Consultant

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Melanie

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#122Top 500

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#122

Melanie was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+8

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Melanie Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Melanie.

11 ideas
Mel
Nickname
Mellie
Nickname
Lanie
Nickname
mely
Nickname
mela
Nickname
me
Nickname
mo
Nickname
anie
Nickname
lany
Nickname
my
Nickname
mie
Nickname

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Baby Name Lists That Include Melanie

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Melanie, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

17 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Melanie mean?
Melanie means "Dark; Black". Melanie derives from Greek terms for dark or black and was disseminated through Christian saints and later European usag
What is the origin of Melanie?
Melanie is of Greek origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Melanie?
According to the latest SSA data, Melanie is currently ranked #122 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Melanie a girl name?
Melanie is traditionally a girl name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Melanie?
Popular nicknames for Melanie include Mel, Mellie, Lanie, mely, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Melanie?
There are many names similar to Melanie in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginGreek
Syllables2
Length7 letters
US Rank#122
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withM

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Girl Names Like Melanie

Melanie has Greek roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Greek baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Melanie appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Timeless Classic Baby Names and Classic Greek Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Names That Mean Miracle And Blessing for Boys and Girls and Names That Mean Travel And Adventure for Boys and Girls.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Melanie pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Melanie beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.