Origin and Meaning of Melinda

Strength; honey; dark

Origin: Greek - Possibly derived from the Greek word 'meli', meaning 'honey'. The name may also be a blend of 'Melissa', meaning 'bee', and 'Linda', which means 'beautiful'.

• Melinda gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, becoming particularly common in the 1940s and 1950s.
• The name is most popular in Western cultures, especially in the United States, and is often associated with kindness and sweetness due to its meaning.
• Notable bearers of the name include Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Melinda Messenger, a British television personality.
• While it saw a peak in popularity in the mid-20th century, its usage has declined significantly in recent years, with parents opting for more modern names.
• Related names include Melissa, which means 'bee', and Linda, which means 'beautiful'. Variations include Melina and Lynda.