Holding steady, #660 for girls today.
Popularity of Melina since 1883
Babies named Melina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 17 |
| 1890s | 36 |
| 1900s | 40 |
| 1910s | 82 |
| 1920s | 57 |
| 1930s | 16 |
| 1940s | 34 |
| 1950s | 118 |
| 1960s | 616 |
| 1970s | 1,104 |
| 1980s | 1,634 |
| 1990s | 3,089 |
| 2000s | 5,413 |
| 2010s | 4,946 |
| 2020s | 2,724 |
Meaning & origin
Melina is a melodic feminine name of Greek origin that has maintained a steady presence in the United States since the late 19th century. First recorded in 1883, the name experienced a notable surge in popularity, reaching its peak rank in 2009. As of 2025, it ranks 660th, with about 1 in 3703 baby girls receiving the name, and has remained a stable choice in the 2000s and beyond. The name has been most favored in states such as New Mexico, Massachusetts, and Nevada, reflecting some regional preference. Despite its modest overall rank, the name's gentle sound and elegant feel continue to appeal to parents seeking an uncommon but not unheard-of option.
The name Melina has two main proposed origins. It may be a short form of names like Carmela or Camilla, but more commonly it is considered a variant of Melanie, from Greek melania 'blackness, darkness'. Alternatively, it could derive from Greek meli 'honey', giving the meaning 'honey-sweet'. The name gained some popularity in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, possibly influenced by the Greek actress Melina Mercouri.
Where Melina is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Melina” around the world
Where Melina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
330
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Quebec
17
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Melly, Lina, Mina
Sibling names for Melina
Names that share Melina's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maya, Chloe, Sophia, Elena, Lena, Malani, Patrina, Thalia, Celena, Lavonia, Athanasia, Jolisa, Lorisa, Marlisa, Media, Merisa, Sharina, Janitza, Jelina, Kalliopi, Montina, Myrissa, Sylena, Tonjia, Gesenia, Jenisa, Julena, Kenora, Meleane, Retina
Brothers: Mateo, Lucas, Elias, Leo, Adrian, Marvens, Jerrico
Names like Melina
Names whose popularity has moved with Melina's over the last 50 years.
