Name Melanie - meaning, origin, numerology

Melanie is a feminine given name derived from the Greek μελανία (melania), "blackness" and that from μέλας (melas), meaning "dark". Borne in its Latin form by two saints: Melania the Elder and her granddaughter Melania the Younger, the name was introduced to England by the Normans in its French form Melanie. However the name only became common in English usage in the 1930s due to the popularity of Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel Gone with the Wind and its 1939 filmation, as one of the novel's main characters was named Melanie Hamilton. The name's popularity increased until the 1970s since remaining constant. Melanie was the 80th most popular name for girls born in the United States in 2007 and, as Mélanie, it was the 86th most popular name for girls born in France in 2004.

English and Dutch: from an Old French form of Latin Melania, a derivative of the feminine form, melaina, of the Greek adjective melas black, dark. This was the name of two Roman saints of the 5th century, a grandmother and granddaughter. St Melania the Younger was a member of an extremely rich patrician family. She led an austere and devout Christian life and, on inheriting her father's wealth, she emancipated her slaves, sold her property, and gave the proceeds to the poor. She also established several contemplative houses, including one on the Mount of Olives to which she eventually retired. The name Melanie was introduced to England from France in the Middle Ages, but died out again. It has been reintroduced and has become popular in the late 20th century.
Variants: Melany, Melony.
Cognate: French: Mélanie.

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