MallowbyNames

Melanye

muh-LAN-ee · Likely a variant of Melanie, derived from Greek 'melania' meaning 'black, dark'.

2025 rank (girls)
#10,917
Babies named in 2025
8
Peak popularity
2006
2025 frequency
1 in 200,908 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #10,917 for girls today.

Popularity of Melanye since 1955

Babies named Melanye per year in U.S. Social Security records.

715221960198020002020Most births 2006Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1950s18
1960s20
1970s15
1980s0
1990s9
2000s129
2010s92
2020s21

Meaning & origin

Melanye is a modern respelling of the classic name Melanie, first recorded in the U.S. in 1955. It experienced a peak in popularity in 2006, when it ranked highest among all years, though overall it has remained a rare choice. In 2025, the name sits at rank 10,917 with a frequency of about 1 in 200,908 girls, reflecting a stable but uncommon usage pattern. The variant spelling with a 'y' likely aims to add a contemporary flair while retaining the familiar sound of Melanie.

Melanye is a modern spelling variant of Melanie, which comes from the Greek word 'melania' (μέλαινα) meaning 'black, dark'. The name was popularized in the English-speaking world through French influence, with Melanie becoming common in the 20th century. Melanye represents a respelling that emerged in the mid-20th century, first recorded in 1955, and saw its peak popularity in 2006.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mel, Lanie

Variants: Melanie, Mellany, Melany

Sibling names for Melanye

Names that share Melanye's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Melanye, our favorite little girl.

M is for Melanye…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Melanye's letter becomes Melanye's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Melanye's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Melanye mean?
Melanye is a variant of Melanie, meaning 'black, dark' from Greek.
How popular is Melanye?
In 2025, Melanye ranked 10,917 in the U.S., with about 1 in every 200,908 girls given the name.
Is Melanye a girl's name?
Yes, Melanye is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.