Last Name Meli

The surname Meli has multiple origins. In Greek, it is derived from the word "mēlon," meaning "fruit" or "produce." It is also found among Sephardic Jews, where it may have been a place name from Melilla, Spain. This last name can also be of Italian origin, possibly deriving from the word "melo," meaning apple tree. Additionally, it can be found in Arabic-speaking cultures as a variant spelling of the name Mali, which means "king" in some African languages. Ultimately, the exact origin of the surname Meli may vary depending on the specific family and region of the world where it is found.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meli

The meaning and origin of the last name Meli

The surname Meli, derived from Greek origins, is primarily found among the Greek-speaking populations. It is an occupational name originally denoting someone who was involved in beekeeping, as "meli" translates to "honey" in Greek. This profession was highly valued due to the economic and cultural significance of honey production in ancient Greece. The Meli surname has also been used as a byname, derived from various given names that contain the root "mel-," such as Melanthios (meaning "black honey") or Melissa (meaning "bee"). Over time, this surname has spread to other regions as Greek colonies were established and migrants relocated. The name remains common in Greece, Cyprus, and among Greek diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meli

The surname Meli is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to Greece and Cyprus, countries where it is one of the most common surnames. Within Greece, it is most frequent in the southern islands such as Rhodes and Crete, as well as parts of Attica and Thessaly. In Cyprus, it is especially prevalent in the district of Famagusta. The name has also been carried by Cypriot and Greek migrants to various parts of the world, including Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, where communities with a significant Meli presence can be found. In the broader Mediterranean region, small populations bearing this surname are found in Albania, Italy, and Malta as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meli

The surname Meli has several variations and spellings in different regions and languages. Some common spelling variations include Melli, Meili, Melly, Meyli, and Mely. These variations may result from differences in pronunciation, transliteration, or spelling conventions over time. Additionally, the name can also be found as Melo, Mello, or Melhus in some Portuguese-speaking regions due to historical influences. In Greek, the name Meli is a feminine given name, but as a surname, it is less common and may be a short form of other Greek surnames such as Melissinos (honey-producer) or Melidonis (from Melos, an ancient Greek island). These variations serve as reminders that names can carry significant cultural and historical meanings, while also being subject to change over time and across regions.

Famous people with the last name Meli

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Meli, three stand out:

1. Rita Ora (Alice Mira Daniela Hartman-Meli), a British singer-songwriter and actress, was born in Kosovo but raised in London. She gained recognition after signing with Jay Z's Roc Nation label and released her debut album "Ora." Ora has also collaborated with artists such as Calvin Harris, Ed Sheeran, and Iggy Azalea.

2. Giancarlo Meli (1938-2007) was an Italian film and theater actor. Known for his roles in movies like "The Godfather" and "The Godfather Part II," he portrayed the character of Johnny Fontane, a fictional singing star who seeks favor from the Corleone family.

3. Livia Meli (born 1970) is an Italian composer, arranger, and singer-songwriter, best known for her collaboration with Renato Zero in the song "Un'altra vita." She has released several solo albums and gained recognition as a prominent figure in the Italian music industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Meli

The surname Meli, originating from Greece, is primarily associated with the Greek-speaking world. It is derived from the Greek word "meli," which means honey. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Melis, a nobleman in Ancient Crete, mentioned in texts dating back to 1200 BC. The name continued to be prevalent during the Byzantine Empire, particularly among the Cretan and Cycladic populations. Through migration and the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, Meli-surnamed individuals spread throughout the Mediterranean region. Notable figures bearing this name include Melina Mercouri, a prominent Greek actress and politician, and George Meli, an American film director known for his experimental short films. The Meli family name remains common in Greece and Cyprus today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Meli"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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