Melanie is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "mel" which means "honey". The name Melanie means "dark" or "black" in Latin, referring to dark hair or complexion.
The name Melanie first gained popularity during the 19th century in France and England. It was often used as a literary name in works by authors such as Alexandre Dumas and George Sand. One of the earliest known uses of the name is in the 1846 novel "La Petite Fadette" by George Sand, where the main character's name is Melanie.
Over time, the name Melanie has become more widely used around the world. Today, it is a popular choice for girls in many countries, including the United States, France, and Australia. In some cultures, Melanie may also be associated with the Greek goddess Melantha, who was said to represent wisdom and intelligence. However, this connection is not universally accepted.
In terms of popularity, Melanie has appeared in the top 1000 baby names for girls in several countries over the years. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Melanie peaked in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, reaching as high as number 264 in 1983.
Overall, the name Melanie has a rich history and meaning behind it, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter.
Statistics on the Name Melanie
The name Melanie has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations in its usage among parents naming their newborn daughters. Here's a breakdown of the statistics:
From 1942 to 2023, there have been a total of 1,112 births registered with the name Melanie in the U.S. The highest number of babies named Melanie was recorded in 2002 and 2010, with 31 and 27 births respectively. This indicates that the name gained significant traction during these years.
However, the popularity of Melanie peaked much earlier. In fact, its highest point occurred between 1960 to 1975, with an average of approximately 20 births per year during this period. The name reached its zenith in 1970 and 1975, with a high of 21 births each year.
After the mid-1970s, Melanie's popularity started to decline gradually but steadily. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the number of babies named Melanie had decreased significantly, averaging around 15 births per year.
In recent years, from 2013 onwards, the name Melanie has seen a slight resurgence in popularity, with an average of about 17 births per year. However, it is still far from its peak popularity during the mid-20th century.