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Melaina

♀ Girl

Pronounced muh-LAY-nuh /məˈleɪ.nə/Medium

Meaning: From the Greek root melas/melaina, 'dark; black,' the same root behind Melanie ('dark-haired one'). Melaina appears in Greek myth as an epithet and reads as a lyrical elaboration in the Melanie family.Low

In 30 seconds: A lyrical Greek name: Melaina comes from melas, 'dark,' kin to Melanie (said 'muh-LAY-nuh'). Soft and classical.

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningFrom the Greek root melas/melaina, 'dark; black,' the same root behind Melanie ('dark-haired one'). Melaina appears in Greek myth as an epithet and reads as a lyrical elaboration in the Melanie family.

U.S. rank (2025)#10626 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births9 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2004

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,197

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Melaina draws on the Greek melas or melaina, 'dark; black,' the very root behind Melanie ('dark-haired one'). It surfaces in Greek myth as an epithet and reads today as a lyrical member of the Melanie family, soft and classical (said 'muh-LAY-nuh').

For girls it appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare, lyrical, and classical.

Did you know? Melaina shares its root with Melanie, from the Greek melas, 'dark' or 'black' — it even appears in Greek myth as an epithet, giving this soft name a classical shimmer (said 'muh-LAY-nuh').

Overall data confidence 48%

References - Melaina — Greek melas 'dark'; Melanie family

Variations

MelinaMelaenaMelanie

Nicknames

MelLenaMellie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Melaina…

Melanie— the kin name from the same root

Melina— a like Greek melas-rooted name

Selena— a like lyrical Greek-sound pick

Malena— a like soft -lena choice

Explore names like Melaina

By themegreek lyrical classical mythic

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Melaina mean?

It comes from the Greek melas, 'dark; black,' the same root behind Melanie.

How do you pronounce Melaina?

It's said muh-LAY-nuh /məˈleɪ.nə/ — three syllables, stress on 'LAY.'

Is Melaina a boy or girl name?

Melaina is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Melaina?

Melaina is a rare name for girls in the U.S.