Melinda is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the Greek words "meli" meaning "honey" and "linda" meaning "soft, tender, or sweet." The name first emerged in England during the Middle Ages, around the 12th or 13th century.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Melinda, Countess of Roucy, who lived in the late 12th century and was the wife of Hugues IV, Count of Roucy. The name also appears in the medieval romance "The Squire's Tale" by Geoffrey Chaucer, written in the late 14th century.

In the 16th century, Melinda was a character in the pastoral play "Il Sacrificio" by Italian playwright Agostino Beccari. This helped popularize the name in Italy. Another notable Melinda from this era was Melinda de Cabrera, a Spanish noblewoman who lived in the late 16th century.

During the 17th century, the name gained popularity in England and Scotland. One notable bearer was Melinda, Lady Saltoun, who lived from 1610 to 1658 and was the wife of Alexander Fraser, 10th Lord Saltoun.

In the 18th century, the name was used by the English novelist and playwright Aphra Behn for one of her characters in the play "The Rover." This further contributed to its popularity in English-speaking countries.

Other notable Melindas throughout history include Melinda Gayman, an American Revolutionary War heroine who lived from 1753 to 1827, and Melinda Crail, an American suffragette and activist born in 1844.