Surname Melia - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
Melia: What does the surname Melia mean?
Melia is a name of Greek origin derived from the word "melia" which means "ash tree" in Greek. The name is often associated with Greek mythology where Melia was an Oceanid nymph, one of the daughters of Oceanus and Tethys. She was associated with the blessing of fruitfulness, particularly that of the ash tree whose sap has a honey-like sweetness, making it a symbol of nurturing and abundance.
Furthermore, the name Melia could have additional meanings or interpretations in other cultures and languages. For instance, in the Irish language, the surname Melia translates as a devotee of Mary (from "ó Maoil Mhichíl"), indicating a religious origin. Particularly in Ireland, surnames were often connected to ancestral clans, familial occupations, or even physical characteristics. Therefore, like many surnames, Melia potentially carries different implications depending on cultural and geographic contexts. Therefore, it's important to look at the surname within the context of the individual or family's culture and history.
Order DNA origin analysisMelia: Where does the name Melia come from?
The last name Melia is of Greek and Irish origin. The Greek origin comes from the word 'Melos', signifying a member of the choir or someone who sings or plays in an orchestra. In Irish origin, it is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Maol Aodha, meaning "descendant of Maol Aodha". "Maol Aodha" translates to "devotee of (Saint) Aodh". The surname is also linked to a location, the small island of Melos, in the Aegean Sea.
In terms of geographic prevalence, Melia is particularly common in Ireland, the birthplace of the name, and it is also found in significant numbers in the United States and England. Over time, individuals with this surname have emigrated to various parts of the world, making Melia an internationally recognized surname today. Despite its widespread presence, it remains most commonly found in the countries of its origin.
Variations of the surname Melia
The surname Melia is of Irish origin and is derived from O'Meallaigh, meaning 'grandson of the prince'. The surname has various spelling variants and related surnames. The most common spelling variants include O'Melia, Melly, Meally, Mallea, O'Malia, Mallia, and Meally. These different spellings have evolved due to regional dialects and phonetic translations over time.
There are also similar or related surnames to Melia, often derived from the same root. These include Meelia, Meliae, Mealia, O'Meally, and O'Malley, which are all associated with the same Irish heritage. Some surnames have the same phonetic sounds, like Mellia, Melio and Mellio, but may have independent origins and meaning.
Remember, surnames can vary greatly within regions, countries and over centuries. Therefore, it’s important to cross-reference any variants and related surnames against primary source documents for the most accurate family history information. In genealogical research, paying attention to numerous spelling variations is crucial, as these can provide hints to the family's geographical areas and kinship connections.
Famous people with the name Melia
- Forrest Melia: actor and producer.
- Bill Melia: former Phoenix Suns assistant coach.
- Richard Melia: British artist and printmaker.
- Patrick Melia: Irish former professional footballer.
- Gregory Melia: American retired professional soccer player.
- Shara Melia: winner of the 2013 Miss Jamaica Universe competition.
- Paul Melia: President of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.
- Leon Melia: Welsh rugby union player
- Michael Melia: English cricketer.
- James Melia: West Indian cricketer.
- Sarah Melia: Australian netball player.
- Caroline Melia: British Paralympic cyclist.
- Steven Melia: English road cyclist.
- Daniel Melia: former American basketball player.
- Luke Melia: lead singer in the alternative rock and indie pop band, The Y Axes.