Name meaning & stats
Melani
Melani means “black, dark” (Ancient Greek origin). 5,912 US babies since 1940, peak 2020. Notable Melanis are 1.4× over-represented as actors.
What it means
“black, dark”
Ancient GreekSpelling of Melanie
In US birth records
Peak year: 2020
5,912 US babies were named Melani between 1940 and 2025.
Where Melanis end up
Not enough notable Melanis yet, so this uses the spelling family: Melanie.
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | 1.4× | High · 46 people |
| Writer | 0.8× | Medium · 17 people |
| Politician | 1.0× | Medium · 16 people |
| Singer | 1.0× | Medium · 15 people |
Among notable women who are actors, the Melanie family show up 1.4× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
Spelling family
1 in 52 Melanies spell it Melani
- Melanie 86%
- Melany 6%
- Melani 2%
- Melonie 2%
- Melony 1%
- Melannie 1%
- Melaney <1%
- Mellanie <1%
- Melanny <1%
- Meloney <1%
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 2020)