What does Melaina mean and where does it come from?
Melaina (Μελάνα) is of Greek origin and means 'dark' or 'black'. This name is often associated with dark-haired beauty or elegant mystery. While it has roots in ancient Greek, its contemporary use is more common in the United States and among those who appreciate classical names. It reflects a trend
Cultural significance
Melaina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dark, black.
Peak popularity
Reached #2248 in 2004 — currently #9394 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Melaina?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Melaina?
Melaina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Melaina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Melaina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Melaina Mae
Sweet · timeless
Melaina Claire
French influence · crisp
Melaina Jane
Literary · strong
Melaina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Melaina right now?
Rising fast — up 2486 spots — currently #9394 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9394 | 11 | ▲ up 2486 · +38% births |
| 2022 | #11880 | 8 | ▼ down 65 |
| 2021 | #11815 | 8 | ▼ down 4235 · -43% births |
| 2020 | #7580 | 14 | ▼ down 1490 · -33% births |
| 2015 | #6090 | 21 | ▼ down 1454 · -32% births |
| 2010 | #4636 | 31 | ▼ down 1652 · -43% births |
| 2005 | #2984 | 54 | ▲ up 852 · +64% births |
| 2000 | #3836 | 33 | ▼ down 117 · +14% births |
| 1995 | #3719 | 29 | ▲ up 2883 · +123% births |
| 1990 | #6602 | 13 | ▲ up 80 · +30% births |
| 1985 | #6682 | 10 | ▼ down 1779 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #4903 | 15 | ▲ up 1389 · +67% births |
| 1975 | #6292 | 9 | ▼ down 1829 · -31% births |
| 1970 | #4463 | 13 | — |
The story of Melaina
Melaina is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1964. With 1,149 total births recorded, Melaina remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4463 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9394 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Melaina in 2004:
Melaina by decade
Melaina peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 18 | |
| 1970s | 100 | |
| 1980s | 98 | |
| 1990s | 243 | |
| 2000s ★ | 437 | |
| 2010s | 239 | |
| 2020s | 14 | |
💎With 1,149 total births, Melaina is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Melaina?
ENGLISH
MalindaMelMelanthaMelinaMelindaMindy
Famous people named Melaina
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Melaina (modern Greek athlete)
Melaina brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
M(
Melaina (Greek poet or artist)
Melaina helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
M(
Melaina (ancient philosopher)
Melaina bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
M(
Melaina (Greek mythological figure)
Melaina carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Melaina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Melaina also consider these
How is Melaina written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Melaina
What does the name Melaina mean?
Melaina means "Dark, black" — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Melaina?
Melaina is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Melaina?
Melaina originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Melaina?
Melaina is a three-syllable name pronounced M EH1 L AY1 N AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Melaina?
Melaina pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.