Comments (Meaning / History Only)

Derives from Ancient Greek: ΜΕΛΑΣ (m), ΜΑΛΑΙΝΑ (f). Meaning in Greek: black, dark.
The name of US's first lady, President Trump's wife.
My friend is Melanie. I was told by a Greek man that it means "Queen of the night". A bit more of a romantic interpretation but basically the same idea... of the night/dark.
This name also has roots in Greek Mythology. "Melania" was another name for Demeter, the goddess of the earth. She had a beautiful daughter, Persephone, who had to spend four months of the year with her kidnapping husband, Hades, which gave rise to the seasons (Demeter’s sadness withers the earth while her daughter is taken away to the underworld and her happiness returns in the spring). For this, “dark beauty” is another meaning applied to this beautiful name.
According to a Greek woman I used to know, "Melanie" means "honey," not "dark" or "black" as everyone seems to think. I trust what this woman told me, because she spoke fluent Greek (and was Greek).
I believe that the name Melanie isn't limited to black or dark, but rather black or dark skinned. The beginning of the name 'Melan' comes from the word melanin meaning: a substance that gives the skin its color (also called pigment).
Other themes related to black or dark, would seem to make sense. I suppose it would depend on the culture of the person that had the name.
Based on the Latin name "Melania" and brought to Britain in the Middle Ages. Melanie's composure goes with a lively sense of fun.
'Melaina' is one of Aphrodite's names, under which name she was venerated in nocturnal rituals. 'Mela-', then, refers to the night.

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