Melanie
Melanie is a boy's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Dark or black.
Origin and history
Melanie is derived from the Greek adjective melaina, meaning black or dark. Though overwhelmingly used as a feminine name, historical U.S. birth records show limited usage for males. Its overall presence as a male name in the United States remains exceptionally rare.
Popularity in the United States
614 babies in the United States have been named Melanie since 1880. It ranks #4062 all-time.
States where it is most popular
- DC (50 %)
- KY (20.6 %)
- CA (14.7 %)
- NY (14.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 13 |
| 1960-1970 | 70 |
| 1970-1980 | 175 |
| 1980-1990 | 153 |
| 1990-2000 | 92 |
| 2000-2010 | 94 |
| 2010-2019 | 17 |
| 2020-2029 | 0 |
Nicknames
Mel, Melny, Lanie
Fun facts
- The name shares its root with the word melanin, referring to the natural pigment found in skin and hair.
- Although predominantly feminine globally, SSA historical records document over 600 males given the name in the U.S. since 1880.