Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Melanie.
National Rank (2025)
#142
All-Time Peak Rank
#42 (1972)
Total U.S. Births
262,640
Unisex Distribution0.2% Boy / 99.8% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Female
💡 The Melanie Vibe: This choice is considered a Declining Classic. A previously dominant name currently experiencing a prolonged generational cooling period.
📖 The Story Behind Melanie
According to SSA data, Melanie achieved its highest historical rank of #42 in 1972. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1972 with 6,296 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 40.7%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 123 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Melanie scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-40.7% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record6,296Births in 1972
Years in Top 100
40yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
123Years
Historical VolatilityHighly Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:21
1890s:63
1900s:79
1910s:145
1920s:183
1930s:242
1940s:5,029
1950s:19,849
1960s:36,751
1970s:53,323
1980s:35,952
1990s:29,352
2000s:35,228
2010s:33,086
2020s:13,337
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesMe-la-nie
Letter Count7 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: Longer than 54.1% of SSA names. Starts with M, a letter used by only 7.6% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Melanie? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics