Melaine

Melaine is a feminine name that functions as a variant spelling of Melanie, which derives from the Greek name Melania, meaning "black" or "dark." This alternative spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a slightly more distinctive appearance with the insertion of an 'i' before the final 'e.' While less common than the standard spelling, Melaine gained modest usage in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s when Melanie was at its peak popularity. The name carries a gentle, melodic quality and retains the same historical connections as its traditional counterpart, including associations with Saint Melania the Younger, a Roman philanthropist from the 5th century. Melaine offers familiar nickname options like Mel or Lainey.

Pronounced muh-LAYN.

As of October 2026, Melaine ranked #13114 in US births in 2022 SSA, peaked at #1373 in 1972.