Melina is a beautiful and unique name that has Greek origins and means “little honey”. The name has been gaining popularity in recent years, but it still remains distinctive and not overly common. It is a great choice for parents who are looking for a name that is both traditional and stands out.
The name Melina is derived from the Greek word “méli”, which means honey. It is an elaboration of the name Mel and is often associated with the Greek mythological figure of Melina, who was the daughter of King Minos. The name has been used in various cultures and languages, including Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, and has different variations such as Melinda, Melia, and Melena.
Melina: An Overview
Melina is a girl’s name of Greek origin that means “little honey.” It is an elaboration of Mel, which can come from names like Melissa or from the Greek word “méli,” meaning honey.
The name Melina has a refined and upper-class feel to it, and it’s no wonder why. The name has been used by several distinguished individuals, including Greek-American actress Melina Mercouri and Puerto Rican politician Melina Roberge.
Despite its popularity, Melina is still a unique and distinctive name that stands out from other popular girl names like Sophia and Ava. It was ranked #633 in the US in 2023, but has been declining in popularity in recent years.
Melina is pronounced “mə-LEE-nə” in English, with the emphasis on the second syllable. Some common nicknames for Melina include Mel, Meli, Mellie, and Lina.
If you’re looking for a name that’s both classic and modern, Melina is a perfect choice. It has a natural and sweet sound, making it a great name for a baby girl.
Origins and Meaning of Melina
Melina is a female given name of Greek origin that means “little honey”. It is derived from the Greek word “méli”, which means honey. The name Melina is an elaboration of Mel, either from names such as Melissa or from Greek μέλι (meli) meaning “honey”.
The name Melina has been in use since ancient times in Greece and has been popularized by famous Greek-American actress Melina Mercouri (1920-1994).
Melina is a name that feels somewhat more distinctive than Melissa, though after a recent upward blip in popularity, it seems to be sliding back down — which may not be a bad thing for parents looking for a name that both fits in and stands out.
In Greece, Melina can be a nickname as well, usually a short form of Magdalene, Melpomene, Simela, and less often Amalia. In Iran, Melina is also a female given name. In Italy, it is always a nickname.
Overall, Melina is a beautiful and unique name with a rich history and a lovely meaning.
Popularity of Melina
Melina is a name that has been steadily growing in popularity in the United States over the past few decades. According to the Social Security Administration, Melina first entered the top 1000 baby names in 1967, but it did not return until 1976. Since then, it has remained a top 1000 option, with a few ups and downs in ranking.
In 2020, Melina was ranked as the 648th most popular name for baby girls in the United States. While it may not be as common as some other popular names, it still has a strong presence and is a great choice for parents looking for a unique yet familiar name for their daughter.
It is worth noting that Melina is not as popular for baby boys, with very few instances of the name being used for male babies in recent years. This is likely due to the name’s association with femininity, as it is derived from the Greek word for “honey,” which is often associated with sweetness and delicacy.
Overall, Melina is a name that has seen consistent popularity in the United States, and it is a great choice for parents looking for a name that is both unique and familiar.
Famous Personalities Named Melina
The name Melina has been used by many notable people in various fields. Here are some of the most famous personalities named Melina:
Melina Mercouri
Melina Mercouri was a Greek actress, singer, and politician. She became famous for her roles in international films, including “Never on Sunday” and “Topkapi.” Later in her life, she served as the Minister of Culture of Greece. Melina Mercouri was a prominent figure in the Greek culture and is still remembered as a national icon.
Melina Matsoukas
Melina Matsoukas is an American music video director and filmmaker. She has directed music videos for many famous artists, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga. Her work has won several awards, including Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. Melina Matsoukas is also known for her work as a director on the television series “Insecure” and the movie “Queen & Slim.”
Melina Kanakaredes
Melina Kanakaredes is a Greek-American actress. She is best known for her roles in the television series “Providence” and “CSI: NY.” Melina Kanakaredes has also appeared in several movies, including “The Long Kiss Goodnight” and “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.”
Melina Perez
Melina Perez is an American professional wrestler. She is best known for her time in WWE, where she won the Women’s Championship three times. Melina Perez is also known for her work as a model and actress.
Melina Teno
Melina Teno is a Brazilian water polo player. She has represented Brazil in several international competitions, including the Pan American Games and the World Aquatics Championships. Melina Teno is considered one of the best Brazilian water polo players of all time.
Melina Havelock
Melina Havelock is a fictional character in the James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only.” She is played by French actress Carole Bouquet. Melina Havelock is a young woman seeking revenge for the murder of her parents. She teams up with James Bond to stop the villainous Kristatos.
Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva
Melina is a character in the animated movie “Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva.” She is a young girl who has a special connection to the main character, Professor Layton. Melina plays a crucial role in the movie’s plot and is a fan favorite among the series’ fans.
These are just some of the famous personalities named Melina. The name has been used by many people in various fields, including acting, politics, sports, and entertainment.
Variations and Nicknames
Melina is a beautiful name that can be modified in many ways to create unique and personalized variations. Here are some of the most popular nicknames and variations for the name Melina:
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Lina: This is a simple yet sweet nickname for Melina that emphasizes the second half of the name. It can also be used as a standalone name.
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Mel: This shortened version of Melina is perfect for those who prefer a more casual and easy-going name. It’s also a great option for parents who want to give their child a gender-neutral name.
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Mellie: This cute and playful nickname is perfect for a baby Melina. It’s also a great option for parents who want to give their child a name that sounds youthful and fun.
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Elina: This variation of Melina emphasizes the first half of the name and gives it a more elegant and sophisticated feel. It can also be used as a standalone name.
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Alina: This is a popular variation of Melina that emphasizes the first two letters of the name. It’s a great option for parents who want to give their child a name that sounds exotic and unique.
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Mila: This is a simple and sweet nickname for Melina that emphasizes the first three letters of the name. It’s a great option for parents who want to give their child a name that sounds modern and trendy.
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Lea: This is a cute and playful nickname for Melina that emphasizes the first two letters of the name. It’s a great option for parents who want to give their child a name that sounds youthful and fun.
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Melanie: This is a popular variation of Melina that emphasizes the first four letters of the name. It’s a great option for parents who want to give their child a name that sounds classic and timeless.
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Lena: This is a simple and elegant nickname for Melina that emphasizes the last three letters of the name. It’s a great option for parents who want to give their child a name that sounds sophisticated and refined.
Overall, there are many variations and nicknames for the name Melina that can be used to create a unique and personalized name for your child. Whether you prefer a simple and sweet nickname or a more sophisticated variation, there is a name out there that will suit your needs.