Melanie

Updated: June 22, 2021 by MomsWhoThink Staff

The baby name Melanie has been passed down through many languages over the centuries, starting with Greek and eventually making its way through Latin, French and English. While it has a dark meaning — literally — many people and characters have changed our perception of the name, including the kind and gentle Melanie Hamilton from the book “Gone with the Wind” and two saints, Melania the Elder and Melania the Younger. Today, it remains one of the most popular names for girls in the English-speaking world.

Meaning of the name Melanie:

Greek: Darkness, blackness

Origin of the name Melanie:

The name Melanie may have roots in Greek mythology. Eventually, a Latin version of the name — Melania — was adopted from the Greek people, and, by the early Middle Ages, the French adopted the name to honor Saint Melania the Younger. After the Norman Conquest, the English adopted the French spelling of the name — Melanie — and it's a name (and spelling) that's been handed down to baby girls for centuries.

Symbolism of the name Melanie:

The modern version of the name Melania was largely adopted to honor Saint Melania the Younger. She was beloved for being virtuous and devoting her life to charity.

Style of the name Melanie:

Traditional

Gender of the name Melanie:

Melanie is a girl's name.

Pronunciation of the name Melanie:

MEL-ah-nee

Number of syllables in the name Melanie:

Three

Emotion evoked from the name Melanie:

The baby name Melanie may mean “darkness,” but these days, it evokes emotions like kindness and gentility.

Alternative spellings for the name Melanie:

Melany
Melanee
Melaneigh
Melaney

Nicknames for the name Melanie:

Mel
Mellie
Mela
Lanie

Popularity of the name Melanie:

Melanie first broke into the top 1,000 baby names for girls in the United States in 1938, according to the Social Security Administration. By the 1960s, it was in the top 100. As of 2020, it's fallen out of favor a bit but remains beloved at number 105.