Find out how popular the first name Melaina has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Melaina by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Melaina is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Melaina.

The history of the first name Melaina

The name Melaina has its roots in the Greek language and can be traced back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek word "melaina," which means "black" or "dark." This name was likely given to children with dark hair or complexions in ancient Greece.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Melaina can be found in ancient Greek literature, where it was used as a descriptor for various things with a dark color or appearance. However, there are no known historical figures from ancient Greece with this specific name.

The name Melaina seems to have been more commonly used during the Byzantine era, which lasted from the 4th to the 15th century. One notable figure from this period was Melaina of Constantinople (c. 1035 – c. 1100), a Byzantine noblewoman and poet who wrote several works in Greek.

In the Middle Ages, the name Melaina was also used in various parts of Europe, although it was not as common as some other Greek-derived names. One notable bearer of this name was Melaina of Arles (c. 1160 – c. 1220), a French noblewoman and patron of the arts who supported various poets and writers during her lifetime.

During the Renaissance period, the name Melaina gained some popularity among certain intellectual circles, particularly in Italy. One notable figure from this time was Melaina Pisano (c. 1420 – c. 1490), an Italian mathematician and philosopher who made significant contributions to the study of geometry and algebra.

Another notable bearer of the name Melaina was Melaina de Medici (1555 – 1619), a member of the influential Medici family in Florence, Italy. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her support of various artists and intellectuals during the Renaissance period.

In more recent history, the name Melaina has been used sporadically in various parts of the world, although it remains relatively uncommon compared to some other Greek-derived names. Overall, the name Melaina has a rich historical legacy that spans centuries and cultures, with its origins deeply rooted in the ancient Greek language and its meaning associated with darkness or a dark complexion.

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 Melaina was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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