Melita
/məˈliːtə/noun
Melita is an ancient name for the Mediterranean island now called Malta.
Did you know?The honey connection is uncertain: Greek Melitē resembles mélissa, “bee,” while a competing Phoenician explanation connects the name with “refuge” or “safe harbor.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Phoenician period
Phoenician
Maleth
“A proposed source meaning “refuge” or “shelter”; this derivation is debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Μελίτη (Melitē)
“The Greek name for Malta; its resemblance to mélitta, “bee,” encouraged a traditional honey-related interpretation.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Melita
“The Latin form used for the island of Malta.”
Late Antiquity
Greek
Melitē
“A continuing Greek geographical name for Malta in historical and religious writings.”
Medieval English and European usage
Latin/English
Melita
“A learned historical name for Malta, preserved in classical, biblical, and ecclesiastical contexts.”
Modern English
English
Melita
“A historical or poetic name for Malta, and occasionally a proper name or scientific designation.”
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