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Melusine
Fact sheet
- Name
- Melusine
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 4
The French name Melusine (Mélusine) has its origins in a legendary water fairy who, according to Old French tradition, transformed into a serpent from the waist down every Saturday. Folk etymologically, the name is interpreted as 'Mutter Lucina'.
What does the name Melusine mean?
The name Melusine (Mélusine) refers to a mythical water fairy who undergoes a special transformation in Old French legend. The folk etymological meaning of the name is 'Mutter Lucina'. The roots of the name may lie in the Old French expression mère Lucine for 'Mother Lucina' or in the Latin mater Lucina for 'Mother Lucina'. Occasionally, Melusine is also depicted with wings, two tails, or both. It is believed that Melusine is an ancient German name that leads through the forms Melesina, Melisande, and Melisenda to the Gothic name Amalaswintha. This name could originate from the Ostrogothic royal family of the Amalers and possess meanings such as 'brave, active' as well as 'swift'. In the German-speaking world, the name became popular in the 15th century through a folk book and the fairy tale 'Die neue Melusine' by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Where does the name Melusine come from?
The etymology of Melusine is feminine in nature and traces back to Old French as well as pagan origins, with the meaning 'Mutter Lucina'. The Old French and Latin
How do you pronounce Melusine?
The pronunciation of Melusine is four syllables and flowing. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'Me-lu-si-ne' [meluˈziːnə]. It begins with a clear e sound that gently transitions into the next syllable. The stressed syllable '-si-' with a long i forms the radiant center of the name. The voiced s provides a soft, shimmering sound, while the ending '-e' gently fades away. Melusine has a poetic and fairy-tale-like sound that is melodic and mysterious, unfolding romantic depths.
Popularity
In Germany, Melusine is a rare first name. In 2013, it ranked 3,816th on the list of the most common female baby names. Between 2010 and 2024, Melusine was given as a first name in Germany fewer than 10 times, placing it at 10,750th. In the last ten years, no child has been named this way. Worldwide, Melusine is also rare.
Nicknames & pet names
Mel / Meli / Mellchen / Melli / Melu / Sine
Famous people
- Ehrengard Melusine von der Schulenburg (mistress of King George I of England (Elector of Hanover)
- Melusine (legendary figure)
- Melusine Mayance (actress from France)
Frequently asked questions about the name Melusine
What is the origin of the name Melusine?
The name Melusine has feminine roots and originates from Old French as well as pagan traditions. It is often associated with the meaning 'Mutter Lucina'.
What does the name Melusine mean?
Melusine refers to a mythical water fairy and is associated with transformations. The name is also explained by the expression 'Mutter Lucina'.
How popular is the name Melusine?
In the German-speaking world, the name Melusine gained popularity in the 15th century through literary works, particularly through Goethe's fairy tale, a popularity that continues to this day.