Melanie Hames

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Melanie Hames — Latin
180K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Melanie Hames is a name that combines Latin origins. The first name Melanie is a feminine given name of Latin origin. 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 because of the popularity of Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel Gone with the Wind and its 1939 film adaptation, as one of the novel's main characters was named Melanie Hamilton. The surname Hames: Hames are part of a horse harness. Bob Hames (1920–1998), American jazz guitarist Chaim (Harvey) Hames (born 1966), professor of history and Rector at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Duncan Hames (born 1977), British Liberal Democrat politician Greg Hames (born 1980), English cricketer Jagan Hames (born 1975), Australian decathlete Jordan Hames, participant in 2019 British TV series Love Island Kim Hames (born 1953), Australian politician Mat Hames (born 1971), American independent filmmaker Michael Hames (1945–2025), British police officer Hames Valley AVA, a California wine region Haymes. Melanie is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 180K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Melanie reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Melanie

Latin

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 because of the popularity of Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel Gone with the Wind and its 1939 film adaptation, as one of the novel's main characters was named Melanie Hamilton.

Surname: Hames

English

Hames are part of a horse harness. Bob Hames (1920–1998), American jazz guitarist Chaim (Harvey) Hames (born 1966), professor of history and Rector at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Duncan Hames (born 1977), British Liberal Democrat politician Greg Hames (born 1980), English cricketer Jagan Hames (born 1975), Australian decathlete Jordan Hames, participant in 2019 British TV series Love Island Kim Hames (born 1953), Australian politician Mat Hames (born 1971), American independent filmmaker Michael Hames (1945–2025), British police officer Hames Valley AVA, a California wine region Haymes.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Melanie is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 10%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Melanie by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Melanie Hames:

6
Expression Number

Nurturing and responsibility. Associated with care, family values and a strong sense of duty towards loved ones.

8
Soul Urge Number

Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.

7
Personality Number

Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Melanie?
The first name Melanie originates from Latin. 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 because of the popularity of Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel Gone with the Wind and its 1939 film adaptation, as one of the novel's main characters was named Melanie Hamilton.
When was Melanie most popular?
The name Melanie reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Hames?
The surname Hames originates from English. Hames are part of a horse harness. Bob Hames (1920–1998), American jazz guitarist Chaim (Harvey) Hames (born 1966), professor of history and Rector at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Duncan Hames (born 1977), British Liberal Democrat politician Greg Hames (born 1980), English cricketer Jagan Hames (born 1975), Australian decathlete Jordan Hames, participant in 2019 British TV series Love Island Kim Hames (born 1953), Australian politician Mat Hames (born 1971), American independent filmmaker Michael Hames (1945–2025), British police officer Hames Valley AVA, a California wine region Haymes.
What are the origins of the name Melanie Hames?
The name Melanie Hames combines two different traditions: the first name Melanie has Latin roots, while the surname Hames originates from English.
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