How to say it
MEL · a · ny
ˈmɛl.ə.ni
Feminine
Melany
Dark, black
What it means
A respelling of Melanie, from the Greek melas, 'dark' or 'black.'
Melany is a streamlined spelling of Melanie, from the Greek melas, 'dark,' the same root as melanin. The older Melanie goes back to early saints (St. Melania) and the gentle Melanie Hamilton of Gone with the Wind. The Melany spelling is especially popular in Latino families. Mel is the everyday short.
How to spell Melany
The standard spelling is Melany. Common variants include Melanie, Melani, Melaney, but Melany is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #399 in 2025, currently #399 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
A respelling of Melanie, 'dark'; common in Latino communities.
- Nickname
Mel is the short.
Spelling variants
- Melanie
- Melani
- Melaney
Names with the same feeling
See Melany from another angle
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Melany mean?
- A respelling of Melanie, from the Greek melas, 'dark' or 'black.'
- What does Melany mean in Greek?
- In Greek, Melany means "Dark, black." Melany is a streamlined spelling of Melanie, from the Greek melas, 'dark,' the same root as melanin. The older Melanie goes back to early saints (St. Melania) and the gentle Melanie Hamilton of Gone with the Wind. The Melany spelling is especially popular in Latino families. Mel is the everyday short.
- How do you pronounce Melany?
- Melany is pronounced ˈmɛl.ə.ni. Say it as MEL-a-ny, with the stress on the "mel" syllable.
- How do you spell Melany?
- The standard spelling is Melany. Common spelling variants include Melanie, Melani, Melaney.
- Is Melany a boy or girl name?
- Melany is traditionally a feminine name.
- How popular is the name Melany?
- Melany ranked #399 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.