Find out how popular the first name Melian has been for the last 30 years (from 1979 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Melian by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Melian is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Melian.

The history of the first name Melian

The name Melian is a beautiful and intriguing name with roots dating back to ancient Greece. Its origins can be traced to the Greek island of Melos, where it was likely derived from the word "meli," meaning honey. This sweet association hints at the name's potential connection to concepts of sweetness, nourishment, and abundance.

In Greek mythology, Melian was the name of a nymph, a minor goddess associated with the island of Melos. She was said to be the daughter of the sea god Oceanus and the Oceanid Tethys. While not a major figure, her name's inclusion in mythological tales suggests its long-standing presence in the Greek cultural and linguistic landscape.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Melian was a Greek poet who lived in the 5th century BC. While little is known about her life, the mere existence of a female poet bearing this name during that era is notable, as it highlights the name's acceptance and use in ancient Greek society.

Moving forward in time, Melian was the name of a 13th-century Byzantine princess, the daughter of the Emperor of Nicaea, Theodore I Lascaris. Her marriage to the King of Hungary, Andrew II, in 1215 AD, played a significant role in strengthening political alliances between the two realms.

In the realm of literature, Melian was the name of a character in the 17th-century play "The Maid's Tragedy" by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher. Though a fictional figure, her inclusion in a prominent work of that era speaks to the name's enduring cultural resonance.

Another notable bearer of the name was Melian Stawell, a 19th-century British artist and illustrator, born in 1835. Her intricate and detailed illustrations adorned numerous books and publications during the Victorian era, cementing her place in the annals of art history.

As the centuries progressed, the name Melian continued to be bestowed upon individuals across various cultures and regions, carrying with it a rich tapestry of historical and cultural significance rooted in its ancient Greek origins.

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

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

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