US Popularity Rank: 19614

Origin: French

Meaning: Black; Dark-skinned

Melaney is a feminine name of Greek origin. You might recognize it more commonly spelled as Melanie, stemming from the French Mélanie or Melania. Ultimately, it comes from the Greek μέλαινα or melaina, giving the moniker the definition of "black" or "dark-skinned." Melaney or Melanie has been around as a given name for centuries and is known for being borne by two saints, Melania the Younger and Melania the Elder of the 3rd century. Although it has been around for many years, it is believed to have gained popularity in the 1930s thanks to Melanie Hamilton's character in Gone with the Wind.