What does Genesis mean?
Genesis is the Greek word for “origin” or “beginning.”
What does Melanie mean?
From Greek 'melas / melania' meaning 'black, dark'. Borne by early Christian saints Melania the Elder and Melania the Younger.
Genesis vs Melanie
Which is more popular?
Genesis is more popular than Melanie today: about 3,527 US babies were given the name Genesis in 2025, compared with 2,074 named Melanie.
| Genesis | Melanie | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin, beginning | black, dark |
| Origin | Greek | greek |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | JEN-uh-sis | MEL-uh-nee |
| Syllables | 3 | 3 |
| First appeared | 1964 | 1886 |
| Peak year | 2016 (4,351) | 1972 (6,296) |
| In 2025 | 3,527 | 2,074 |
| Trend | Steady | Declining |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Genesis
Melanie
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Genesis | Melanie |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 21,524 | 13,337 |
| 2010s | 40,524 | 33,086 |
| 2000s | 21,434 | 35,228 |
| 1990s | 8,685 | 29,352 |
| 1980s | 1,121 | 35,952 |
| 1970s | 278 | 53,323 |
| 1960s | 12 | 36,751 |
| 1950s | 0 | 19,849 |
| 1940s | 0 | 5,029 |
| 1930s | 0 | 242 |
| 1920s | 0 | 183 |
| 1910s | 0 | 145 |
| 1900s | 0 | 79 |
| 1890s | 0 | 63 |
| 1880s | 0 | 21 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Genesis or Melanie more popular?
Genesis is more popular than Melanie today: about 3,527 US babies were given the name Genesis in 2025, compared with 2,074 named Melanie.
What is the difference between Genesis and Melanie?
Genesis means Origin, beginning (Greek origin), while Melanie means black, dark (greek origin).
Which name is older, Genesis or Melanie?
In US records, Genesis first appears in 1964 and Melanie in 1886, so Melanie has the longer recorded history.