Melanie

#63 in California

Meaning of Melanie

Melanie is a charming and timeless name for girls, with origins rooted in Greek mythology. Derived from the Greek word "melas," meaning "black" or "dark," Melanie has been associated with Saint Melania the Younger, a Roman saint known for her piety and charitable works. The name gained popularity in France before making its way to English-speaking countries. Pronounced as MEH-lah-nee in French and MEL-uh-nee in English, Melanie exudes an air of elegance and sophistication. Over the years, it has maintained steady popularity in the United States, consistently ranking within the top 150 names since the 1990s. Variations of the name include Melany, offering a slight twist while retaining its classic charm. With its rich history and enduring appeal, Melanie remains a beloved choice for parents seeking a name that is both beautiful and meaningful.

Pronunciation

French

  • Pronunced as MEH-lah-nee (/me.la.ni/)

English

  • Pronunced as MEL-uh-nee (/ˈmɛləni/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

States Popularity Chart

Notable People Named Melanie

Melanie C, also known as Sporty Spice from the iconic girl group Spice Girls, is an English singer, songwriter, and DJ with record-breaking success.
Melanie Griffith is an American actress who gained mainstream success in the mid-1980s after starting her career in the 1970s with independent thriller films.
Melanie Adele Martinez is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and director who gained fame after appearing on The Voice and releasing her debut single "Dollhouse".
Melanie Jennings Oudin is a former professional tennis player who was a member of the American Fed Cup team and won the 2011 US Open mixed-doubles title.
Melanie Klein was an influential Austrian-British psychoanalyst known for her work in child analysis and the development of object relations theory.
Melanie Fiona Hallim is a Canadian singer and songwriter who started her career in a R&B trio and later formed a duo with Drake.
Melanie Perkins is an Australian billionaire technology entrepreneur, best known as the CEO and co-founder of Canva, in which she owns 18% of the company.
Melanie Ann Amaro is an American singer who won the first season of The X Factor USA in 2011, making her the youngest contestant to win the competition and securing a $5 million recording contract with Syco Music and Epic Records.
Melanie Doane is a multi-talented Canadian singer, songwriter, actress, and music educator.
Melanie Ann Stansbury is a Democratic U.S. representative from New Mexico's 1st congressional district, previously serving in the New Mexico House of Representatives.
Melanie Brinkmann is a prominent German virologist known for her work on Cytomegalovirus and her role as an expert commentator on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Melanie La Barrie is a Trinidad-born actress and singer, renowned for her performances in musical theatre.
Melanie Rae Thon is an American fiction writer celebrated for her boundary-breaking work that explores diversity and interdependence from various perspectives.
Melanie Maher - Melanie Figueroa Solis is a multi-talented Puerto Rican singer, actress, and model known for her appearances on Objetivo Fama and leading roles in Broadway musicals like Grease: El Musical de tu Vida and Hairspray: El Musical.
Melanie Benjamin is the pen name of American writer Melanie Hauser.
Evelyn Grace Donovan
Curated byEvelyn Grace Donovan

Assistant Editor