Holding steady.
Popularity of Melita since 1894
Babies named Melita per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 29 |
| 1910s | 96 |
| 1920s | 88 |
| 1930s | 98 |
| 1940s | 110 |
| 1950s | 252 |
| 1960s | 318 |
| 1970s | 397 |
| 1980s | 201 |
| 1990s | 81 |
| 2000s | 96 |
| 2010s | 62 |
| 2020s | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Melita is a soft, honeyed name that has been in use in the United States since at least 1894. It peaked in 1973, when it was given to a modest number of baby girls, and has maintained a stable, low level of usage ever since. As of 2025, the name has not entered the ranked Top 1000, making it a rare but recognized choice. True to its Latin roots meaning 'little honey,' Melita offers a sweet, classic feel without being common. Its similarity to the place name Malta and its use in Italian and Spanish cultures add a Mediterranean flair. Parents drawn to vintage, delicate names may appreciate Melita's quiet elegance and its potential for nicknames like Meli or Lita.
Melita originates from the Latin word mel (honey), with the diminutive suffix -ita giving the sense of 'little honey'. In Greek, Melita was an epithet of the goddess Artemis. The name has been used in various European languages, including Italian and Spanish, and was historically given as a term of endearment. It also appears as a place name for the island of Malta in classical texts.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Meli, Lita, Mela
Variants: Melitta, Melitina, Mellita
Sibling names for Melita
Names that share Melita's style, for a brother or sister.
