A figure
European legend that is still seen commonly on the logo of a coffee chain,
Melusine is an update of previous Mel- names with a deep root in history.
Melusine
(pronounced: mel-U-si-ne or mel-U-seen) is a feminine spirit of fresh waters in
Folklore and appears much like a mermaid with wings. Most commonly used as a
heraldic symbol rather than a name is of Germanic
origin meaning “hard worker”. The story of Melusine starts in fact with
her mother Pressyne was come upon by the King of Albany who was persuaded to
marry him as long as he didn’t look upon her as she birthed or bathed their
children. She would go onto to birth triplets, Melusine being the oldest. The
King broke his promise and Pressyne fled the Kingdom, taking her daughters with
her to Avalon. Melusine would later seek revenge on her father for his broken
promise and locked him in a mountain. Her mother was furious and condemned her
that every Saturday she would take the form of a serpent or mermaid (depending
on the rendition). Later on, Raymond of Poitou came upon Melusine and proposed
marriage which she accepted with conditions. He broke the promise and saw her
as part-serpent/mermaid. He would later expose this in front of his court in
which she took on the form of a dragon and flew away.
Melusine can
be seen as bit of a dark figure but I personally don’t see it that way. She is
a choice that fits along with other mermaid like names and those of mythology
easily. The heraldic image of Melusine is found on the logo of Starbucks Coffee
chain. The legend of Melusine is also heavily ingrained in the Philippa Gregory
novel ‘The White Queen’ and its adaptation of the same name. The story centers
itself around Elizabeth Woodville who was Queen of England to King Edward IV
who in the novel is supposedly descended from Melusine through her mother’s
line.
Over
variations of the name include Melusina and Melisande. None of the three
variations have ever been popular in the US, with the three names not having
recordings of any births. Though the stats show 5 and above births for the
year, it could be possible that there is a Melusine out their somewhere in the
states it is unlikely though in Europe I would suggest that it has been used
though sparingly.
It makes for
an interesting choice and would fit alongside other mythological names like
Penelope and Cassandra as well as fitting alongside other aquatic based names.
