Melania

Melania

Proper Noun · /məˈleɪ.ni.ə/

Definition

A feminine given name of Greek origin, meaning dark or black (from Greek melas, black). Famous bearers include Melania Trump (born 1970), the former First Lady of the United States, and Saint Melania the Younger (383–439 CE), a Roman noblewoman who became a Christian ascetic.

Origin

From Latin Melania, from Greek Melanía, from melas (black, dark). The same Greek melas root gives melanin (the dark pigment in skin, hair, and eyes), melanoma (a dark-coloured skin cancer), and melancholy (black bile). The name was used in early Christianity — particularly associated with Saint Melania the Younger — before becoming largely dormant and reviving in modern use.