Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Melani
GirlGreek· “form of Melanie; dark”
- Meaning
- form of Melanie; dark
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- MEH-luh-nee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,056
- US babies 2025
- 234
- Best rank
- #990 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2020
Meaning and origin of Melani
Melani is a Greek name that means “form of Melanie; dark”.
Melani is a spelling of Melanie, which comes from the Greek word melas, "black" or "dark." The name was borne by two Roman saints, Melania the Elder and Melania the Younger, known for their charitable work. Melanie became popular in English through the character Melanie Hamilton in Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. The Melani spelling is used in several languages, including Spanish, and it gives the name a slightly lighter look. Pronounced MEH-luh-nee, it has a soft, melodic sound. Mel and Lani are nicknames. Melani suits parents who like the classic feel of Melanie with an alternative spelling.
Popularity over time
Melani first appears in US Social Security records in 1947. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 1 different years, starting in 2020. Its best national rank was #990 in 2020, the same year it reached its highest count of 258 babies. In 2025, 234 babies were named Melani, and it ranked #1,056 nationally. That is 95% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,779 in 1980, #2,360 in 2000, #1,619 in 2010, and #1,056 in 2025. Of the 5,912 US girls named Melani since records began, 25% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,422 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Leena, Aarya, Beatrix, Aarna, and Loyalty.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Melani ranked highest in Nebraska, Connecticut, and Michigan.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | #327 | 7 |
| Connecticut | #597 | 5 |
| Michigan | #721 | 11 |
| Alabama | #792 | 6 |
| Texas | #853 | 35 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Melani is usually pronounced MEH-luh-nee, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-ni”.
Middle names for Melani
A few middle names that flow with Melani: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Melani
Similar names
Eleni Girl
eh-LEH-nee
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Harmoni Girl
HAHR-muh-nee
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Ishani Girl
ee-SHAH-nee
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Alexa Girl
uh-LEK-suh
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Leilani Girl
lay-LAH-nee
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Armani Unisex
ahr-MAH-nee
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Alani Girl
uh-LAH-nee
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Kehlani Girl
keh-LAH-nee
“often said to mean 'sea and sky'” · American (modern coinage)
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Kailani Girl
ky-LAH-nee
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Milani Girl
mih-LAH-nee
“uncertain; possibly from Milan” · American (modern coinage)
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Amani Girl
ah-MAH-nee
“peace” · Swahili
#678
Kalani Girl
kuh-LAH-nee
“the heavens” · Hawaiian
#387
Lists that include Melani
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Melani mean?
Melani is a Greek name that means “form of Melanie; dark”.
What is the origin of the name Melani?
Melani has Greek roots. Melani is a spelling of Melanie, which comes from the Greek word melas, "black" or "dark." The name was borne by two Roman saints, Melania the Elder and Melania the Younger, known for their charitable work.
Is Melani a popular name?
Not especially. Melani ranked #1,056 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Melani a boy or girl name?
Melani is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Melani?
Melani is usually pronounced MEH-luh-nee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings