Melina
GirlGreek· “possibly honey”
- Meaning
- possibly honey
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- meh-LEE-nuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #660
- US babies 2025
- 434
- Best rank
- #456 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Melina
Melina is a Greek name that is usually said to mean “possibly honey”.
Melina is usually linked to the Greek meli, meaning honey, although it may also have developed as a short form of names such as Emmeline or Carmelina, so its origin is not entirely certain. The Greek actress and politician Melina Mercouri, who campaigned for the return of the Parthenon marbles, made the name widely known. In the United States Melina is a less common alternative to Melissa and Melanie. It has a soft, flowing sound and a touch of Mediterranean warmth. Mel and Lina are natural nicknames.
Popularity over time
Melina first appears in US Social Security records in 1883. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 47 different years, starting in 1885. Its best national rank was #456 in 2009, the same year it reached its highest count of 681 babies. In 2025, 434 babies were named Melina, and it ranked #660 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,768 in 1920, #3,595 in 1950, #849 in 1980, #543 in 2000, #504 in 2010, and #660 in 2025. Of the 19,926 US girls named Melina since records began, 27% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 4,946 babies. Since 2010, 7,670 more have been named Melina.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Aileen, Abbigail, Brisa, Lexie, and Jaylynn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Melina ranked highest in Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #298 | 20 |
| New Mexico | #362 | 5 |
| Arizona | #406 | 17 |
| Nevada | #409 | 7 |
| California | #420 | 80 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Melina is usually pronounced meh-LEE-nuh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Melina
A few middle names that flow with Melina: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Melina
Similar names
Lists that include Melina
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Melina mean?
Melina is a Greek name that is usually said to mean “possibly honey”.
What is the origin of the name Melina?
Melina has Greek roots. Melina is usually linked to the Greek meli, meaning honey, although it may also have developed as a short form of names such as Emmeline or Carmelina, so its origin is not entirely certain.
Is Melina a popular name?
Yes. Melina ranked #660 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Melina a boy or girl name?
Melina is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Melina?
Melina is usually pronounced meh-LEE-nuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings