Find out how popular the first name Melecio has been for the last 44 years (from 1974 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Melecio by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Melecio is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Melecio.

The history of the first name Melecio

The name Melecio has its origins in the Greek language and can be traced back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek word "melekhos," which means "honey-sweet" or "honey-colored." This name was likely given to children born with golden or honey-colored hair or complexions.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Melecio can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, who lived in the 6th century BC. In his works, he mentioned a disciple named Melecio, suggesting that the name was in use during that time period.

During the Byzantine era, the name Melecio gained popularity among Christian communities in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Saint Meletius of Antioch, a 4th-century bishop and theologian, was a notable figure who bore this name. He played a significant role in the Arian controversies and is venerated as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches.

In the Middle Ages, the name Melecio was commonly found in Italy, particularly in regions like Sicily and Calabria, which had strong Greek cultural influences. One prominent individual with this name was Melecio Zino, a 14th-century Italian humanist and philosopher from Venice.

Another notable figure was Melecio Rodríguez, a 16th-century Spanish Catholic priest and missionary who played a crucial role in the evangelization efforts in the Philippines. He is recognized as one of the first Spanish missionaries to arrive in the archipelago and is credited with establishing the first Catholic church in Manila.

In the realm of literature, Melecio Valdés was a renowned 19th-century Spanish novelist and playwright. He was born in 1834 and is best known for his satirical works that criticized the social and political climate of his time.

Furthermore, Melecio Undurraga Fernández was a Chilean politician and lawyer who served as the Minister of Justice and Public Education in the late 19th century. He played a significant role in shaping the country's legal and educational systems during his tenure.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who bore the name Melecio, showcasing its diverse cultural and geographical roots, as well as its presence across various fields and disciplines.

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

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

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