National Melanie Day - Bring on National Melanie Day; we want all-out fun, loads of laughs, and quirky characteristics that only Melanies know how to deliver.

National Melanie Day 2024 – November 4, 2024

We celebrate National Melanie Day, which takes place on November 4, every year. We spend the day honoring all of the Melanies. Usually, they can be shy, funny, and will never be conceited. They tend to love art and be loyal to their friends. Need more than that? We think they’re perfect, which is why we gladly celebrate them. Read on to find out more about the interesting history of the name, Melanie.

History of National Melanie Day

Melanie reached its most significant popularity, according to Google search data research, in December 2017. And was highly prominent in the fifth century as the name of two Roman saints. It was imported from France to England during the Middle Ages; nevertheless, Melanie actually rose to prominence in America between the 1930s and 1960s with the publication of, and subsequent film, “Gone with the Wind.” It was also the name of one of the characters in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” and the names of two Spice Girls members, Mel B and Mel C.The name is feminine and is derived from the Greek word ‘melania,’ which means ‘blackness,’ and ‘melas,’ which means ‘darkness.’ Melanie was the 80th most common girl’s name in the United States in 1957, and it was the 86th most popular girl’s name in France in 2004, written slightly differently as Mélanie, with an accent on the ‘E.’In pop culture, it’s been very prominent, having been given to several high-profile singers and actors, including Melanie Griffith and Melanie Brown. Melanie has several spelling variations, including ‘Melany’ and the grand ‘Melania.’ The name has consistently been on baby girl name lists because of its delicate voice and styling. It has weathered the test of time, avoiding the stigma of being fashionable or outmoded. Melanie may easily stand on her own but can also be abbreviated to ‘Mel’ or ‘Melly’ if you choose. ‘Lani’ is another unusual moniker choice.

National Melanie Day timeline

1957
The Buffalo Girl

Melanie Griffith is an American actress and film producer known for her work in “Buffalo Girls” and “RKO 281.”

1984
The Music of Mélanie

Celine Dion releases her sixth studio album, “Mélanie.”

1999
Batman Beyond

The superhero animated television series “Batman Beyond” premieres and features a character named Melanie Walker, a member of the Royal Flush Gang.

2006
The Medical Student

The American sitcom “The Game” premieres on B.E.T. and features the character Melanie Barnett, a medical student.

National Melanie Day FAQs

Does Melanie Lynskey have an accent?

Melanie Lynskey, 39, is from New Zealand, not Australia, and she employed her authentic accent in films shot in her own country (like “Heavenly Creatures”). However, she abandoned it for later Hollywood films such as “Ever After” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Is Melanie Griffith related to Dakota Johnson?

Melanie Griffith, 64, is the matriarch of her lovely family. The legendary actress has three children: son Alexander Bauer, 36, and daughters Dakota Johnson, 32, and Stella Banderas, 25. Melanie welcomed each of her three previous marriages’ children.

Does Melanie Laurent speak English?

Mélanie Laurent lied about her English fluency to win a role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds.” The French actress played a pivotal role in Quentin’s World War II thriller, starring Brad Pitt and Christoph Waltz.

National Melanie Day Activities

  1. Listen to the ‘Melanie’ song

    Donna Summers’ iconic dance floor hit, ‘Melanie,’ was released in 1981 and to this day is a much-loved track from her album “I’m a Rainbow.” It’s the perfect way to start your National Melanie Day in the morning, with a brisk walk and the song playing in your ears. Get up, get going, and have a wonderful day.

  2. Read up on Melanie Griffith’s colorful childhood

    Griffith was born in 1957 to then-model and future actress Tippi Hedren and ex-child actor turned advertising executive Peter Griffith. Tippi moved Melanie to Los Angeles when she was four years old after her parents' marriage dissolved, and she spent her days playing with her pet lions, tigers, and elephants. Discover more about her childhood on this special day.

  3. Paint a portrait of a Melanie you know

    This is a fun activity for anyone wanting to take a more playful approach to celebrate the Melanie in their life. It doesn’t have to be a Picasso standard painting; you can have some fun and create an interpretation of your favorite Mel. Now, that’s a true dedication to a close friend and extra special on National Melanie Day.

5 Famous Melanies You May Not Know

  1. Melanie Lynskey

    Lynskey is an actress hailing from New Zealand known for playing quirky yet headstrong characters in films like “Win-Win” and “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.”

  2. Mélanie Laurent

    Celebrated French actress, Laurent has won some major awards, including two Césars and a Lumières Award.

  3. Melanie Counsell

    Counsell, a Welsh filmmaker, and installation artist, works with various unique media.

  4. Melanie Blatt

    This English singer-songwriter skyrocketed to fame in 1997 when she joined the girl group All Saints.

  5. Melanie Weisner

    Weisner, an American professional poker player, is also known as ‘Callisto 5,’ her PokerStars online screen name.

Why We Love National Melanie Day

  1. Women in the arts are celebrated

    A highlight of National Melanie Day is the vast array of women in the arts that are celebrated as they all share the name, Melanie. Everyone from actresses, artists, and even singers, shows that many Melanies choose an artistic direction in life. If you’re a Melanie and you can relate, we celebrate you.

  2. Name celebrations can be emotional

    When we feel included and loved, it has a very positive impact on our brains and hearts, and when those two things work in conjunction, we tend to become emotional. Feeling celebrated or honored on a special day can do that to us. It makes us open up and receive love.

  3. It’s like a second birthday

    Let’s face it: the most important thing that you get when you are born is your name. It is what people will call you for the rest of your life, so it has a massive impact on you as a person. That is why we love how special name appreciation days make people feel like it is their birthday.

National Melanie Day dates

Year Date Day
2022 November 4 Friday
2023 November 4 Saturday
2024 November 4 Monday
2025 November 4 Tuesday
2026 November 4 Wednesday