In some parts of Greece, Demeter was worshipped primarily as the gloomy winterly earth, latterly as the humanized goddess clad in black, in mourning for her daughter, whence she was adored as Melaina.  Whether from this title of the goddess or simply a dark complexion, there arose the female name of Melania, which belonged to two Roman ladies, grandmother and granddaughter, who were among the many who were devoted to the monastic Saint Jerome, and derived an odour of sanctity from his record of their piety.  Though not placed in the Roman calendar, they are considered as saints, and the French Mélanie and the old Cornish Melony are derived from them. (History of Christian Names, Yonge, 1884)