Melania

Origin and meaning of Melania

Melania comes from the Greek mélas, mélaina, 'black, dark,' originally describing someone with dark hair or complexion. A name of ancient charm, it was borne by two Roman saints of the fourth and fifth centuries, Melania the Younger and Melania the Elder. It is common in Italy, Spain, Slovenia and Eastern Europe. Its quiet elegance and flowing sound make it a refined classic, matching French Mélanie and English Melanie.

Variants around the world

How Melania is said in other languages.

Famous people

• Santa Melania la Giovane— saint