Melena

“dark-haired” — Symbolize beauty and elegance

Spanish origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#10870US 2023

9Births / yr

↓Falling

1.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 195700

How to pronounce Melena

MEL·EN·uh

/ˈmɛl.ˈɛn.ə/ · stress on MEL · 3 syllables

“dark-haired”

Symbolize beauty and elegance · Spanish origin

What does Melena mean and where does it come from?

Melena is a name used primarily in Spanish-speaking countries, derived from the word 'melenas' which can refer to dark or long hair. It is relatively modern and versatile, often chosen for its melodic sound. The name can symbolize beauty and elegance, reflecting the characteristics associated with h

Cultural significance

Melena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dark-haired.

Peak popularity

Reached #2552 in 1975 — currently #10870 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Melena?

Melena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Melena Grace

How popular is Melena right now?

Falling — down 715 spots — currently #10870 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1965–2023#10870 · Top 8.0%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#10870	9	▼ down 715 · -10% births
2022	#10155	10	▼ down 1838 · -23% births
2021	#8317	13	▲ up 2855 · +63% births
2020	#11172	8	▼ down 2634 · -38% births
2015	#8538	13	▲ up 2052 · +30% births
2010	#10590	10	▼ down 6627 · -72% births
2005	#3963	36	▼ down 344
2000	#3619	36	▼ down 1 · +20% births
1995	#3618	30	▲ up 2330 · +100% births
1990	#5948	15	▼ down 119 · +25% births
1985	#5829	12	▼ down 1755 · -37% births
1980	#4074	19	▼ down 1522 · -39% births
1975	#2552	31	▲ up 991 · +72% births
1970	#3543	18	▲ up 1653 · +125% births
1965	#5196	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Melena

Best Year1975Rank #2552

Peak Count36

Average Rank#6532

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1965 - 202315 years

The story of Melena

Melena entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. With 1,198 total births recorded, Melena remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5196 in 1965, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10870 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Melena in 1975:

Jennifer Amy Heather Melissa Angela

Melena by decade

Melena peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	6
1960s	82
1970s	223
1980s	124
1990s	235
2000s ★	374
2010s	146
2020s	8

💎With 1,198 total births, Melena is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Melena?

Common

MelMelieMelyEna

Famous people named Melena

Melena (Spanish saint)

Melena helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.

Melena (Spanish conquistador or explorer)

Melena bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.

Melena (Spanish saint)

Melena helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.

Melena (Flamenco artist)

Melena carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Melena?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Melena also consider these

Spanish · Moon or shining

Mekena

African · Swahili

Merena

American · Derived from 'marina',

Medena

Slavic countries · Slavic

Felena

Spanish · Lucky

Elena

Italy · light or bright

Common questions about the name Melena

What does the name Melena mean?

Melena means "dark-haired" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Melena?

Melena 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 Melena?

Melena originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Melena?

Melena is a three-syllable name pronounced M EH1 L EH1 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 Melena?

Melena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.