Meliton is a rare and unique given name with an intriguing history and meaning. It has its roots in Greek mythology and ancient culture.
The name Meliton comes from the Greek word "Μελίτων," which means "from the hives." In Greek mythology, Melitón was a shepherd who was transformed into a bee after his death by the goddess Demeter. The story goes that Melitón was so devoted to his bees and honey production that he neglected his own well-being. When he eventually died of starvation, Demeter took pity on him and turned him into a bee, allowing him to continue his beloved work in a new form.
The name Meliton has been associated with several historical figures throughout history. One notable example is Saint Melito, who was an early Christian bishop of Sardis (modern-day Turkey) during the 2nd century AD. He is revered as a saint by both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, and his feast day is celebrated on April 10.
Despite its rich history and unique meaning, Meliton remains a relatively uncommon name today. Those who bear this name may carry with them the spirit of devotion, industry, and transformation associated with their namesake shepherd turned bee.
In summary, Meliton is a rare Greek-derived given name that means "from the hives." It has connections to ancient mythology and early Christian history but remains largely unknown outside of specific cultural contexts. Those who choose this name may be drawn to its unique story and meaning, seeking to honor the industrious spirit of the bees and the devotion of Saint Melito.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Meliton has seen a varied number of births each year in the United States over the past century.
The name's popularity peaked during the 1930s and 1940s, with the highest number of births recorded in 1932, totaling 16 newborns named Meliton. This period saw consistently higher numbers compared to other decades, indicating that the name was more commonly chosen during this era.
However, the name's popularity has since declined significantly. Since the 1980s, the number of births with the name Meliton has generally fluctuated between 5 and 7 per year, with occasional peaks at 9 or 15 births.
Over the entire period from 1913 to 2012, a total of 436 babies were named Meliton in the United States. While this number is not extremely high, it indicates that the name has been consistently chosen by parents over several generations. Despite its fluctuating popularity, Meliton remains a unique and distinct name choice for children born in the U.S.