When I was small there was a drapery/clothing store near us called
Melanie. It was pronounced meh-LAH-nee
I didn't realise that
Melanie was a girl's name until much later, but I don't think of GWTW when I hear it - I think of British writer
Melanie Phillips (born in the 1950s).
I only know one
Melanie, an Australian doctor in her 30s, and the name has no negative connotations for me.
It's pretty and pleasing, although in view of the meaning I don't think it suits blondes - just as I don't think
Flavia and
Xanthe suit brunettes!
So I'd avoid it for a fair blue-eyed baby!
Although not usually a fan of modern names, I do like a few - and one is
Melody - I'd use
Melody but not
Melanie -
Melody just appeals to me more