Melina is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is "dark" or "black," referring to dark-haired women in Greek mythology. The name has been popular among Greeks for centuries and has gained international recognition due to its unique sound and cultural significance.
The earliest known usage of the name Melina can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was used as an epithet for the goddess Hera, who was often associated with darkness and fertility. In Greek mythology, Melina is also the name of a nymph who accompanied Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, on her adventures.
Throughout history, the name Melina has been borne by several notable figures. One of the most famous Melinas is Melina Mercouri, a Greek actress and politician who served as Minister of Culture in Greece from 1981 to 1989. She was also an international film star known for her roles in films such as "Never on Sunday" and "Topkapi."
Today, the name Melina continues to be popular among Greeks and has gained international popularity as well. It is often chosen by parents who wish to give their daughters a unique and meaningful name with deep cultural roots. Despite its association with darkness, the name Melina has a warm and inviting quality that makes it appealing to many people.
In summary, Melina is a Greek feminine given name that means "dark" or "black." It has been used in Greece for centuries and has gained international recognition due to its unique sound and cultural significance. Notable figures bearing the name include Melina Mercouri, a Greek actress and politician. Today, Melina continues to be popular among Greeks and internationally as well, chosen by parents who wish to give their daughters a unique and meaningful name with deep cultural roots.
The name Melina has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1883 and 1925, there were fewer than 12 births per year with the name Melina. However, starting in 1947, the number of annual births with this name began to rise steadily.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the number of babies named Melina fluctuated between 8 and 20 each year. But it was in the late 1960s that we saw a significant jump in popularity, with over 70 births per year from 1965 onwards.
The 1970s and 1980s were the peak decades for the name Melina in terms of annual births. In 1976 alone, there were 148 babies named Melina, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This trend continued throughout the decade, with over 150 babies named Melina each year from 1976 to 1982.
However, in the early 1980s, we started seeing a decline in the popularity of the name Melina. By the mid-1980s, there were fewer than 150 births per year with this name, and this trend continued into the 1990s.
Despite this decline, the name Melina remained relatively popular throughout the 20th century. Between 1990 and 2000, there were over 200 babies named Melina each year on average. The peak of this period was in 1999, with 425 births.
In the 21st century, the name Melina has continued to be popular but has seen some fluctuations in popularity. Between 2000 and 2023, there were between 400 and 674 births per year with this name. The most recent data from 2023 shows that there were 447 babies named Melina.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Melina has seen some ups and downs over the past century in the United States, it remains a popular choice for parents today. With over 19,000 babies named Melina since 1883, this name continues to be a classic choice with enduring appeal.