What does Elena mean?
A form of Helen, from the Greek, “torch” or “bright, shining light.”
What does Melanie mean?
From Greek 'melas / melania' meaning 'black, dark'. Borne by early Christian saints Melania the Elder and Melania the Younger.
Elena vs Melanie
Which is more popular?
Elena is more popular than Melanie today: about 4,836 US babies were given the name Elena in 2025, compared with 2,074 named Melanie.
| Elena | Melanie | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Bright, shining light | black, dark |
| Origin | Greek | greek |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | eh-LAY-nuh | MEL-uh-nee |
| Syllables | 3 | 3 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1886 |
| Peak year | 2025 (4,836) | 1972 (6,296) |
| In 2025 | 4,836 | 2,074 |
| Trend | Near its peak | Declining |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Elena
Melanie
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Elena | Melanie |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 26,192 | 13,337 |
| 2010s | 28,804 | 33,086 |
| 2000s | 15,699 | 35,228 |
| 1990s | 9,500 | 29,352 |
| 1980s | 6,300 | 35,952 |
| 1970s | 5,281 | 53,323 |
| 1960s | 4,744 | 36,751 |
| 1950s | 3,454 | 19,849 |
| 1940s | 2,247 | 5,029 |
| 1930s | 1,638 | 242 |
| 1920s | 2,169 | 183 |
| 1910s | 1,335 | 145 |
| 1900s | 376 | 79 |
| 1890s | 200 | 63 |
| 1880s | 74 | 21 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Elena or Melanie more popular?
Elena is more popular than Melanie today: about 4,836 US babies were given the name Elena in 2025, compared with 2,074 named Melanie.
What is the difference between Elena and Melanie?
Elena means Bright, shining light (Greek origin), while Melanie means black, dark (greek origin).
Which name is older, Elena or Melanie?
In US records, Elena first appears in 1880 and Melanie in 1886, so Elena has the longer recorded history.