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Melina Girl

Popularity: #525 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationmeh-LEE-nah / mɛˈlinə

Greek; Latin

Meaning

Greek: honey; Latin: little honey

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Melina has its roots in ancient Greek, deriving from the word "mēlon," which means "apple" or "honey.” This etymological connection suggests a connotation of sweetness and abundance. The name entered the English language through various cultural exchanges, particularly during the Renaissance when classical names from Greek and Latin were revived in Europe. The transition from Greek to Latin and then into English reflects a broader trend of incorporating classical elements into modern languages, particularly during periods of renewed interest in ancient cultures.

Historically, Melina has been associated with various figures in literature and mythology. In Greek mythology, Melina is sometimes linked to the nymphs or deities associated with honey and bees, reinforcing the name's sweet connotations. The name also appears in various forms in different cultures, often retaining its core meaning related to sweetness or fruitfulness. While not as prominent as some other names, Melina has appeared in literary works and has been used by notable figures throughout history, contributing to its cultural resonance.

In addition to its mythological roots, Melina has been embraced in various artistic expressions, including literature and music. The name's association with nature and sweetness has made it a symbol of beauty and fertility in different cultures. In some traditions, names that evoke natural elements, such as fruits or flowers, are often chosen for their positive connotations and the blessings they symbolize. This enduring appeal is reflected in the name's continued use across different cultures and languages, where it may also appear in diminutive forms, such as Mel or Lina, which further emphasize its affectionate qualities.

Trend Summary

Melina has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Malina
  • Melinae

International Variants

  • Melina (Spanish)
  • Mélina (French)
  • Melina (Italian)

Famous people named Melina

Melina Mercouri is an actress and singer best known for Never on Sunday, The Travelling Players, and Topkapi.

Melina Matsoukas is a director and producer best known for Insecure, Master of None, and Beyoncé: Formation.

Fictional characters named Melina

Melina is a fictional character from the video game series Metal Gear. She is a key figure in the narrative, often involved in espionage and complex relationships with other characters.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Melina was first seen in the United States in 1883. Melina has ranked as high as #755 nationally, which occurred in 2009, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Melina has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Melina (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 87
21%
TX 50
12%
FL 40
10%
IL 31
8%
NY 26
6%
PA 23
6%
NJ 19
5%
NC 17
4%
AZ 14
3%
GA 12
3%
VA 10
2%
MA 10
2%
IN 9
2%
CO 9
2%
CT 8
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18835
18857
18885
18926
18947
18956
18975
18985
18997
19005
19015
19037
19047
190811
19095
19107
19117
19126
19137
19147
191512
191610
19178
19189
19199
19206
19215
19227
19236
19245
19255
192612
19285
19296
19306
19335
19385
19405
19426
194715
19498
195010
195113
195212
195316
19549
195513
195612
19578
195812
195913
196020
196140
196257
196344
196444
196572
196657
1967106
196889
196986
197075
1971103
197286
197371
197479
1975101
1976148
1977143
1978134
1979164
1980184
1981179
1982200
1983192
1984169
1985182
1986140
1987118
1988127
1989143
1990238
1991344
1992292
1993354
1994292
1995328
1996288
1997258
1998270
1999425
2000480
2001569
2002489
2003441
2004434
2005511
2006536
2007674
2008598
2009681
2010593
2011500
2012440
2013482
2014496
2015502
2016490
2017486
2018471
2019486
2020445
2021468
2022460
2023448
2024466