Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Melany
GirlGreek, French· “dark”
- Meaning
- dark
- Origin
- Greek, French
- Pronunciation
- MEH-luh-nee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #399
- US babies 2025
- 779
- Best rank
- #399 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Melany
Melany is a Greek and French name that means “dark”.
Melany is a spelling of Melanie, which comes through French from the Greek melaina, meaning black or dark. The name was borne by two Roman saints named Melania, a grandmother and granddaughter known for their charity in the fourth and fifth centuries. Melanie became popular in English after the character Melanie Hamilton appeared in Gone with the Wind. The Melany spelling is especially common among Spanish-speaking families. The name feels warm and gentle with a classic foundation. Mel and Lanie are easy nicknames, and it pairs well with shorter middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Melanie.
Popularity over time
Melany first appears in US Social Security records in 1942. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 25 different years, starting in 2001. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #399, and its highest count, 779 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,361 in 1950, #1,564 in 1980, #1,062 in 2000, #411 in 2010, and #399 in 2025. Of the 17,379 US girls named Melany since records began, 36% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,270 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kaliyah, Liana, Blaire, Nalani, and Ivory.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Melany ranked highest in Maryland, Delaware, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #180 | 29 |
| Delaware | #208 | 5 |
| Texas | #228 | 152 |
| North Carolina | #277 | 40 |
| California | #306 | 106 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Melany is usually pronounced MEH-luh-nee, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-ny”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Melanie.
Middle names for Melany
A few middle names that flow with Melany: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Melany
Similar names
Tiffany Girl
TIH-fuh-nee
“manifestation of God” · Greek
#880
Harmony Girl
HAHR-muh-nee
“agreement, concord” · Greek
#276
Brittany Girl
BRIH-tuh-nee
“from Brittany” · French
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Destiny Girl
DEHS-tuh-nee
“fate” · English
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Stephanie Girl
STEH-fuh-nee
“crown, wreath” · French
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Stephany Girl
STEH-fuh-nee
“form of Stephanie; crown” · Greek
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Magali Girl
MAH-guh-lee
“Provençal form of Margaret, pearl” · French
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Melony Girl
MEH-luh-nee
“variant of Melanie, dark” · Greek
#7,032
Isabelle Girl
IH-zuh-behl
“form of Elizabeth; my God is an oath” · French
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Athena Girl
uh-THEE-nuh
Greek
#109
Delaney Girl
duh-LAY-nee
“from an Irish surname” · Irish
#242
Juliette Girl
joo-lee-ET
“youthful” · French
#110
Lists that include Melany
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Melany mean?
Melany is a Greek and French name that means “dark”.
What is the origin of the name Melany?
Melany has Greek and French roots. Melany is a spelling of Melanie, which comes through French from the Greek melaina, meaning black or dark.
Is Melany a popular name?
Yes. Melany ranked #399 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Melany a boy or girl name?
Melany is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Melany?
Melany 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