Declining since 2010.
Popularity of Melanee since 1949
Babies named Melanee per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1963, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Melanee's real moment was 1970.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 7 |
| 1950s | 140 |
| 1960s | 197 |
| 1970s | 191 |
| 1980s | 145 |
| 1990s | 133 |
| 2000s | 179 |
| 2010s | 187 |
| 2020s | 43 |
Meaning & origin
Melanee is a 20th-century spelling variant of the classic Greek-derived name Melanie. Its earliest recorded use in U.S. birth data is 1949, but it saw its peak popularity in 1970. Since 2010, usage has fallen steadily. While it never ranked among the top 1000 names, Melanee carries the elegant simplicity of its parent name with a distinctive spelling that sets it apart. As of the latest year tracked, 2025, it remains a rare choice, reflecting a broader trend away from more ornate spellings.
Melanee is a modern spelling variant of Melanie, which derives from the Greek name Melania, itself from 'melas' meaning 'black, dark'. The name was borne by a 5th-century Roman saint and gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the 20th century. The spelling Melanee emerged in the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1970s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mel, Lani, Nee
Sibling names for Melanee
Names that share Melanee's style, for a brother or sister.
