Melia (surname)


Melia is a family name that may originate in the Caucasus state of Georgia, in Italy, or in Ireland. The Georgian name is believed to be derived from the word melia, meaning "fox". Names derived from Melia are Meliava, Meliva, Melua, Meluava or Meladze. The Italian history may date back to early Rome. The Irish origins may be via alterations to the name O'Maille or O'Malley.

History

19th century

- Pius Melia, Italian Jesuit theologian

20th century

Some individuals bearing this name sought refuge abroad after the Red Army invaded the country.
- Elie Melia, lived in Belgium and then in France; priest and historian of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
- Alexandre Meliava, refugee in France
- Mirian Melua, refugee in France
- Careena Melia, Irish-American actress
- Cian Melia, Irish showjumper
- Joe Melia, British television and film actor
- Michael Melia, established British actor
- Fulvio Melia, Italian-American astrophysicist and author
- Tim Melia, American soccer player

21st century

There are people bearing the name living in western Europe, children of Elie Melia :
- Nina Melia
- Elie Melia, son
- Ketevan Melia.
There are Meliavas living in western Europe, children of Alexandre Meliava :
- Guy Meliava, French designer
- Michel Meliava, French engineer
- Natacha Meliava, French business advisor
- Serge Meliava, former President of the Georgian Association in France
There are also Meluas living in western Europe:
- Elen Melua, former head of a French fashion collection
- Katie Melua, British singer
- Luc Melua, French motorist and journalist
- Mirian Melua, son, chief editor of the newsletter Les Infos Brèves France Géorgie.