Melina

Melina is associated with Greek meli, meaning honey, and can also develop as an elaboration of Mel from longer names such as Melissa. That connection explains the familiar honey interpretation. It should not automatically be treated as a spelling of Melanie, whose older Greek root has a different meaning.

Actress Melina Mercouri is a notable bearer, while French Mélina and Méline show related forms. The full name commonly has three syllables in English and can be used without shortening it further. A family honor for a Melissa may supply one naming route, while a direct interest in the Greek honey meaning supplies another.