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Well, as you know it means strawberry. But it is not a name in Polish. It would be very strange for anyone in Poland to have this name, but raspberry is OK because it is accepted as a proper name. I suppose we could take an analogy in English. Daisy is a female name, but Buttercup is not.
Names are becoming more fascinating to me :) Especially the elusive Scottish origin of Malina. It is listed as being Scottish on the Behind The Name website, but can I trust it 100% without getting information regarding the source of this information?
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The answer to the last question should be no ... BtN is definitely very very good, but nothing is infallible. Unfortunately, I cannot help you with the Scottish origins of this name.
So, let me rescue this post of mine from meaningless off-topicness by provididing a pointless bit of on-topic information: your Hindi informant was indeed correct. In Sanskrit, related to a root meaning to fade away or become feeble, malinA means dirty, soiled, tarnished, etc. either literally or figuratively. It also meant `dirty coloured' i.e. gray etc., whence the name possibly arose.
I personally know a malinA from Bengal, born probably in early-to-mid 20th century. The name is definitely not very common today.
So, let me rescue this post of mine from meaningless off-topicness by provididing a pointless bit of on-topic information: your Hindi informant was indeed correct. In Sanskrit, related to a root meaning to fade away or become feeble, malinA means dirty, soiled, tarnished, etc. either literally or figuratively. It also meant `dirty coloured' i.e. gray etc., whence the name possibly arose.
I personally know a malinA from Bengal, born probably in early-to-mid 20th century. The name is definitely not very common today.
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Thank you so much for your help :) I agree that it is best to try to verify sources somehow (afterall, a person's name is important). Very interesting information on Sanskrit usage of Malina - I am very grateful. This makes me even more fascinated by the name. It really is related to many diverse cultures.
Many thanks,
Paul
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