Rising since 1986, #1,053 for girls today.
Popularity of Melani since 1947
Babies named Melani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 20 |
| 1950s | 158 |
| 1960s | 367 |
| 1970s | 511 |
| 1980s | 352 |
| 1990s | 351 |
| 2000s | 1,245 |
| 2010s | 1,486 |
| 2020s | 1,422 |
Meaning & origin
Melani is a streamlined spelling of the classic Melanie, first recorded in the U.S. in 1947. It has been steadily rising in popularity since 1986, reaching its peak rank in 2020. The name saw about 1 in every 6,869 newborns in 2025, placing it at rank 1053. It is most common in Nebraska, Connecticut, and Alabama. The variant Melani offers a modern yet subtle alternative to the traditional Melanie, retaining the same soft, feminine sound while appealing to parents who prefer minimalist spellings.
Melani is a spelling variant of Melanie, which derives from the Greek name Melania, from melas meaning 'dark, black'. The name was borne by several early Christian saints, including a 5th-century Roman saint who was a major figure in the desert ascetic movement. It became common in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, with the Melani spelling emerging as a modern simplification.
Where Melani is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Melani” around the world
Where Melani lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mel, Lani, Mellie
Sibling names for Melani
Names that share Melani's style, for a brother or sister.
