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Melánia is the Slavic and Hungarian form of the Greek name Melanía, derived from the Greek root melas, meaning black or dark. The name was borne by two Roman saints of the fifth century, Melania the Elder and her granddaughter Melania the Younger, both of whom were wealthy Christian ascetics whose piety made the name widely venerated in the early Church. It spread across medieval Europe through hagiographic tradition and remains in use in Central and Eastern Europe today. Related forms include the Italian and Spanish Melania, the French Mélanée, and the anglicized Melanie.