Find out how popular the first name Meleya has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Meleya by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Meleya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Meleya.

The history of the first name Meleya

The name Meleya has its origins in the Greek language and culture, with roots tracing back to ancient times. It is believed to be derived from the Greek word "meli," meaning "honey," and the suffix "-a," which is a common feminine ending in Greek names. This suggests that the name Meleya may have initially been associated with sweetness, gentleness, or perhaps even the idea of a "honeyed voice."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Meleya can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Plutarch, who lived in the 1st century AD. In his work "Parallel Lives," Plutarch mentions a woman named Meleya, though little is known about her beyond this reference.

Throughout the medieval period, the name Meleya was relatively uncommon, but it did appear sporadically in various historical records and texts. One notable figure bearing this name was Meleya of Thessalonica, a Byzantine noblewoman who lived in the 12th century. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her support of the Orthodox Church.

As the Renaissance period dawned in Europe, the name Meleya experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among the aristocratic classes. One notable individual from this era was Meleya de Medici (1472-1528), a member of the influential Medici family of Florence, Italy. She was renowned for her artistic patronage and her support of the humanist movement.

In the 18th century, a French poet and philosopher named Meleya de Boufflers (1724-1800) gained recognition for her writings on topics such as love, nature, and the human condition. Her works were widely read and admired during her lifetime, and she was a prominent figure in the Parisian literary salons of the time.

Moving into the 19th century, one notable individual with the name Meleya was Meleya Pavlovna Blavatsky (1831-1891), a Russian occultist and co-founder of the Theosophical Society. She was a controversial figure who claimed to have psychic abilities and played a significant role in introducing Eastern philosophies and mysticism to the Western world.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have borne the name Meleya throughout history, demonstrating its enduring presence across various cultures, time periods, and contexts. While not an extremely common name, Meleya has left its mark in literature, philosophy, and historical records, reflecting its Greek origins and the idea of sweetness and gentleness that it embodies.

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

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

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