Meli
/MEH-lee/
Meli is a Cherokee (Tsalagi) girl's name pronounced /MEH-lee/. This is the traditional Cherokee form of the name Mary, often meaning beloved.
Meaning of Meli
This is the traditional Cherokee form of the name Mary, often meaning beloved.
Meli is the transliterated Cherokee (Tsalagi) equivalent of the English name Mary. As the Cherokee language lacks a native 'r' sound, the 'r' in Mary was historically substituted with 'l', following the linguistic patterns of the 19th-century syllabary development.
- Origin
- Cherokee (Tsalagi)
- Pronunciation
- /MEH-lee/
Cultural background
The name is primarily found among members of the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the United Keetoowah Band. It remains a classic choice for families wishing to honor Christian heritage through a traditional Tsalagi linguistic lens.
Variations & nicknames
- Me-li
- Mary
- Mellie
Famous people named Meli
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Meli'sa Morgan
American R&B singer-songwriter known for the hit 'Do Me, Baby'.
Music · 1980s-present
Meliha 'Meli' Cevdet
Prominent Turkish poet and novelist.
Literature · 20th century
Meli
A character in the 'Chronicles of Prydain' series by Lloyd Alexander.
Literature · 1960s
Frequently asked about Meli
- What does Meli mean?
- Meli is the Cherokee form of Mary, which is traditionally interpreted as meaning 'beloved' or 'bitter'.
- How do you pronounce Meli?
- It is typically pronounced 'MAY-lee' or 'MEH-lee', depending on the specific Tsalagi dialect.
- Is Meli a boy or girl name?
- Meli is traditionally a girl's name, as it is the feminine cognate of Mary.
- Is Meli a common Cherokee name?
- Yes, it was a very common name in the 19th century following the adoption of the Cherokee syllabary and the spread of biblical names.
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