Malaney

Greek

"black, dark"

Malaney Origin and Meaning

The name Malaney is a girl's name.

Malaney is a contemporary feminine name with possible Irish or Scottish Gaelic roots. It may be derived from the surname Maloney (from Irish Ó Maoldhomhnaigh, meaning 'servant of the Church') or could be a modern variation of Melanie (from Greek, meaning 'dark' or 'black'). The name has a melodic quality with its three-syllable rhythm and soft ending. Malaney remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive appeal for parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet stands out. Its rising popularity in recent decades reflects broader trends toward using surnames as first names and the preference for names ending with the '-ey' sound. Malaney carries a gentle, approachable quality while maintaining a touch of Celtic heritage.