What does Melana mean and where does it come from?
Melana is a name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word 'μελανη' (melanī), which means 'dark' or 'black.' The name conveys a sense of mystery and depth. In modern usage, it has also become popular in American culture, often linked with a contemporary, elegant sound. Historically, the name has
Cultural significance
Melana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of μελανη.
Peak popularity
Reached #2404 in 2004 — currently #12997 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Melana?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Melana?
Melana works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Melana Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Melana Rose
Floral · soft ending
Melana Mae
Sweet · timeless
Melana Claire
French influence · crisp
Melana Jane
Literary · strong
Melana Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Melana right now?
Rising fast — up 1720 spots — currently #12997 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #12997 | 7 | ▲ up 1720 · +17% births |
| 2022 | #14717 | 6 | ▲ up 2134 · +20% births |
| 2021 | #16851 | 5 | ▼ down 5702 · -37% births |
| 2020 | #11149 | 8 | ▼ down 4185 · -56% births |
| 2010 | #6964 | 18 | ▼ down 2825 · -47% births |
| 2005 | #4139 | 34 | ▲ up 1392 · +70% births |
| 2000 | #5531 | 20 | ▲ up 1199 · +54% births |
| 1995 | #6730 | 13 | ▲ up 730 · +18% births |
| 1990 | #7460 | 11 | ▲ up 2181 · +83% births |
| 1985 | #9641 | 6 | ▼ down 1213 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #8428 | 7 | ▼ down 3963 · -50% births |
| 1975 | #4465 | 14 | ▲ up 2185 · +100% births |
| 1970 | #6650 | 7 | ▼ down 1971 · -22% births |
| 1965 | #4679 | 9 | ▲ up 1428 · +50% births |
| 1960 | #6107 | 6 | — |
The story of Melana
Melana entered American naming records in 1947 and has been in use for over 77 years. With 817 total births recorded, Melana remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4318 in 1955, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12997 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Melana in 2004:
Melana by decade
Melana peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 10 | |
| 1950s | 42 | |
| 1960s | 84 | |
| 1970s | 77 | |
| 1980s | 85 | |
| 1990s | 126 | |
| 2000s ★ | 275 | |
| 2010s | 110 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎Melana has only 817 total recorded births since 1947 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Melana?
Famous people named Melana
M(
Melana (Byzantine leader)
Melana used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
M(
Melana (Greek mythological figure)
Melana carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
M(
Melana (Byzantine leader)
Melana used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
M(
Melana (Greek poet or artist)
Melana helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Melana?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Melana also consider these
Common questions about the name Melana
What does the name Melana mean?
Melana means "μελανη" — 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 Melana?
Melana 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 Melana?
Melana 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 Melana?
Melana is a three-syllable name pronounced M EH1 L AA1 N AH0. 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 Melana?
Melana 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.