Find out how popular the first name Malenia has been for the last 2 years (from 2022 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Malenia by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Malenia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Malenia.

The history of the first name Malenia

The name Malenia is believed to have its origins in the ancient Greek language, deriving from the word "melaina," which means "black" or "dark-hued." This connection suggests that the name may have been initially associated with individuals who possessed darker physical features or complexions.

Historically, the name Malenia can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was used as a personal name during the classical period, which spanned from the 5th to the 4th century BC. It is recorded in various texts and inscriptions from that era, though its precise origins and meaning remain somewhat ambiguous.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Malenia can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the 5th century BC. In his work "The Histories," Herodotus mentions a woman named Malenia, though little is known about her life or significance.

During the Byzantine period, which lasted from the 4th to the 15th century AD, the name Malenia gained popularity among the Greek population of the Byzantine Empire. Several notable individuals bore this name, including Malenia of Constantinople, a renowned scholar and philosopher who lived in the 11th century.

In the 14th century, a woman named Malenia Kantakouzene was a prominent figure in the Byzantine court. She was the daughter of the Emperor John VI Kantakouzenos and played a significant role in the political affairs of her time.

Another historical figure with the name Malenia was Malenia Palaiologina, a Byzantine princess who lived in the 15th century. She was the daughter of the last Byzantine Emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, and is known for her tragic life story.

During the Renaissance period, the name Malenia made its way to Italy, where it was adopted and adapted to various regional spellings and variations, such as Melania or Melena. One notable Italian woman with this name was Melania Calvat, a 16th-century painter and artist from the city of Bologna.

In more recent times, the name Malenia has maintained a presence in various cultures and regions, though its popularity has varied. Some notable individuals with this name include Malenia Ramos, a Mexican actress born in 1935, and Malenia Purvey, a British singer and songwriter born in 1978.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Malenia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Malenia, please contact us.

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