Declining since 2007, #142 for girls today.
Popularity of Melanie since 1886
Babies named Melanie per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 21 |
| 1890s | 63 |
| 1900s | 79 |
| 1910s | 145 |
| 1920s | 183 |
| 1930s | 242 |
| 1940s | 5,029 |
| 1950s | 19,849 |
| 1960s | 36,751 |
| 1970s | 53,323 |
| 1980s | 35,952 |
| 1990s | 29,352 |
| 2000s | 35,228 |
| 2010s | 33,086 |
| 2020s | 13,337 |
Meaning & origin
Melanie first appeared on U.S. records in 1886 and saw a steep rise through the mid-20th century, reaching its peak popularity in 1973 when it ranked in the top 20. Since 2007, however, its usage has been falling, settling at its current rank of 142 in 2025 (1-in-775 births). The name has been especially concentrated in states like Delaware, New Mexico, and Mississippi. While still a familiar choice, Melanie has been gradually declining in favor, though its Greek roots and saintly associations continue to give it a solid, classic feel.
Melanie derives from the Greek Melania (Μελανία), from melas (μέλας) meaning 'black' or 'dark.' It was borne by several early Christian saints, notably a wealthy Roman who renounced her fortune to live ascetically. The name became common in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, peaking in the 1970s.
Where Melanie 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.
“Melanie” around the world
Where Melanie lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Quebec
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mel, Lanie, Melly
Sibling names for Melanie
Names that share Melanie's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Amber, Heather, Nicole, Stephanie, Tiffany, Angely, Janene, Jenine, Malorie, Mindi, Daphanie, Jenilee, Letricia, Lisseth, Lorilee, Melessa, Meloney, Malania, Melicia, Shelvie, Valaree, Chelly, Lauriann, Malillany, Meilany, Sharmel, Teleah, Tephanie
Brothers: Jason, Brian, Kevin, Scott, Eric, Jermie, Machael, Yovany, Christorpher
Names like Melanie
Names whose popularity has moved with Melanie's over the last 50 years.
