Rising since 1986, #398 for girls today.
Popularity of Melany since 1942
Babies named Melany per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 23 |
| 1950s | 255 |
| 1960s | 442 |
| 1970s | 503 |
| 1980s | 508 |
| 1990s | 838 |
| 2000s | 5,270 |
| 2010s | 6,263 |
| 2020s | 3,277 |
Meaning & origin
Melany is a modern spelling of Melanie that has been in use since at least 1942. As of 2025, it ranks 398th in the U.S., with a 1-in-2,063 birth rate. The name peaked in popularity in 2025, showing a steady upward trajectory since 1986. It is most popular in Delaware, Maryland, and New Mexico. While its meaning is tied to the Greek 'black', the variant spelling Melany reflects a contemporary preference for phonetic and simplified forms, aligning with similar names like Lily and Lillie.
Melany is a modern spelling variant of Melanie, which derives from the Greek name Melania, from 'melas' meaning 'black' or 'dark'. The name Melanie was popularized in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, and the spelling Melany emerged as a phonetic variant, particularly in the United States in the mid-1900s.
Where Melany 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mel, Lani, Mela
Sibling names for Melany
Names that share Melany's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Melany
Names whose popularity has moved with Melany's over the last 50 years.
