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Melani

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Melani Pronunciation

Melani is pronounced MEL-uh-nee /ˈmɛl.ə.ni/High

Meaning: Dark or black; a spelling variant of Melanie, from Greek melania (darkness, blackness), from melas (black, dark)High

In 30 seconds: A spelling variant of Melanie meaning 'dark' or 'black' in Greek. The name honors Saint Melania the Younger, a 5th-century Roman noblewoman who gave away her vast fortune to the poor.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningDark or black; a spelling variant of Melanie, from Greek melania (darkness, blackness), from melas (black, dark)

U.S. rank (2024)#1006 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births254 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 5,676

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Melani is a variant spelling of Melanie, from Greek melania (darkness, blackness), rooted in melas (black, dark). The name appears in the Eastern Roman world and was borne by two Roman saints, most famously Melania the Younger (383–439 CE), a great-granddaughter of the earlier Saint Melania the Elder.

Melanie was in the U.S. top 100 from the 1960s through the 2000s. Melani is a shorter, less common spelling that has appeared in the data since the late 20th century. It ranked #1006 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Saint Melania the Younger (383–439 CE) was one of the wealthiest women in the Roman Empire. She renounced her fortune, freed thousands of slaves, and founded monasteries in Jerusalem — making hers one of the most dramatic stories of Christian conversion in late antiquity.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Melanie — Greek etymology and saint historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MelanieMelanyMelanee

Nicknames

MelMellyLani

Themes & Styles

Greek Classic Saint Variant-spelling Dark

Famous Bearers

★Melania Trump (1970–present)
Slovenian-American former model who has served as First Lady of the United States (2017–2021 and again from 2025) as wife of President Donald Trump. She uses the Melania form of this name.

If you like Melani…

Melanie— the standard spelling of the same Greek name

Melody— Mel- name with a musical feel and similar three-syllable rhythm

Melissa— Greek Mel- name meaning honey bee, popular in the same era

Malena— Mel- name with the same vowel openness and elegance

Elena— three-syllable Greek name with the same -ee-uh ending

→ See all names like Melani

Browse the whole category: All Greek names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Melani?

Melani is pronounced MEL-uh-nee (/ˈmɛl.ə.ni/). Press play above to hear Melani said aloud.

How do you say Melani?

Melani is said MEL-uh-nee (/ˈmɛl.ə.ni/). Press play above to hear Melani said aloud.

What does the name Melani mean?

Melani means 'dark' or 'black,' a spelling variant of Melanie, from Greek melania (darkness) and melas (black).

Is Melani a boy or girl name?

Melani is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Melani?

Melani ranked #1006 for U.S. girls in 2024.