Girls Names K Through O

Melinda

English combination name

"beautiful honey"

In the eighteenth century there was a poetic fad for names with the 'inda' sound, and, along with Belinda, Clarinda, Dorinda and Florinda, Melinda was one of those created at that time. It came into…

Meline

Meline is a feminine name with Armenian origins, derived from the Greek name 'Melina,' meaning 'honey' or 'yellow.' In Armenian culture, it carries connotations of sweetness and warmth. The name has…

Melinoe

Greek

"having the color of quince"

In Greek Mythology, Melinoe was the daughter of Persephone, and fathered by both Zeus and Hades. She was one of two moon goddess, the other being Hecate, but was thought to be the bringer of…

Meliora

Latin, Cornish

"better; honey"

Unusual and lush Roman name adopted, improbably, by the Puritans. The Cornish version, pronounced mel-YOHR-ah, has been in use since the 13th century.

Melisande

French form of Millicent, German

"strong in work"

This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized…

Melisandre

French variation of Millicent, German

"strong in work"

The romantic fairy tale-like name has come to modern attention via the beautiful but terrifying sorceress in Game of Thrones . The character may look as lovely as her name sounds, but it's hard to…

Melise

Melise is a delicate feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Melissa, which comes from Greek meaning 'honey bee,' carrying associations of industriousness and sweetness.…

Melisent

Variation of Millicent, English, Germanic

"strong in work"

Derived from the Gothic name, Amalaswintha, this form was brought to England by the Normans, though it was later adapted into the variation we know better today: Millicent. This form may remind…

Melita

Greek

"honey"

A coffee filter.

Mella

Mella is a sweet feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variation of Melina (Greek for 'honey'), a short form of names containing 'mel' like Melissa or Amelia, or could connect to…

Mellon

English and Irish surname

"from Meulan; descendant of Meallán"

It's too close to the fruit "melon" to make a good first name, but if there are Mellons on your family tree, why not put it in the middle? The English form of this surname is habitational, and at one…

Mellona

Latin

"honey"

This name — also seen as Mellonia — belonged to the Roman goddess of bees and bee-keeping, said to encourage the supply of honey.

Melodia

Greek

"song"

An elaborate and poetic form of Melody, Melodia comes from the Greek melos meaning "song". It may additionally be considered the Spanish form of the word name, more traditionally spelled as Melodía.…

Melora

Greek

"golden apple"

Euphonic hybrid of the sounds of Melissa and Laura. Melora Hardin is an actress who was featured on The Office.

Meltem

Turkish

"sea wind"

A fairly common name in Turkey, referring to the north wind blowing off the Aegean Sea.

Melusine

French, folkloric name

Melusine was a figure from early European folklore, associated with the water. Her legends are especially connected with the northern and western areas of France, as well as the Low Countries. She is…

Memphis

Greek and Coptic place-name

"Enduring and beautiful"

Tied to the bluesy southern city and to the world heritage cite in Egypt after which it was named, Memphis is a modern choice with ancient history. Currently significantly more popular for boys in…

Mena

Spanish, diminutive of Filomena

Actress Mena Suvari (named after an Egyptian hotel) made this name seem especially appealing. Mena is also a minor Roman goddess of fertility.

Menta

Italian, Hungarian

"mint"

An uncommon name occasionally heard in Italy and Hungary, where it is also the word for "mint."

Mentina

Variation of Menta or Clementina, Italian; Spanish

"mint; mild, merciful"

A minty girl name in Italy, a citrus-scented one in Spain.