Meliora

Meliora is the neuter plural nominative or accusative form of the Latin adjective melior, translating to "better" or "better things," often connoting progress or improvement.^[1] This term encapsulates an aspirational ideal of striving toward enhanced conditions or states.^[2] As a motto, meliora prominently features in the emblem of the University of Rochester, where it signifies "ever better" and underscores the institution's commitment to ongoing advancement in education, research, and societal impact since its adoption in the 19th century.^[3] The university's use of the phrase reflects its founding principles, inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses (Book 7, lines 20–21), which encourages the pursuit of better things.^[4] Beyond its academic association, meliora has inspired various cultural and commercial references, including the title of the 2015 third studio album by the Swedish rock band Ghost, which achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, peaking at number one on several charts worldwide.^[5] The album's lead single, "Cirice," earned the band their first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2016.^[6] Additionally, Meliora names a floral green perfume launched by Parfums de Marly in 2013, evoking themes of romance and elegance through notes of rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang.^[7] These instances highlight the term's versatility in modern contexts, from music and fragrance to branding for sustainable products like the eco-friendly cleaning line by Meliora Cleaning Products.^[8]

Etymology and Linguistic Usage

Origin in Latin

The word meliora originates as the neuter plural nominative or accusative form of the Latin comparative adjective melior, which translates to "better." This adjective derives from the Proto-Indo-European root mel-, connoting "strong" or "great," evolving through Proto-Italic meljōs into Old Latin forms before solidifying in classical usage.^[9][10] The comparative structure reflects an ancient Indo-European pattern for expressing degrees of quality, with melior positioned as the middle term between bonus ("good") and optimus ("best").^[10] In classical Latin literature, meliora first appears in texts by prominent authors such as Cicero and Virgil, often in contexts emphasizing moral, practical, or existential improvement and superiority. Cicero employs the term in his Epistulae ad Atticum (Letters to Atticus), as in the phrase "Posse videntur esse meliora" ("They seem able to be better"), discussing potential enhancements in political or personal circumstances.^[11] Similarly, in his Brutus, he references "meliora quae dixi" ("the better things I mentioned"), highlighting superior rhetorical or ethical choices.^[12] Virgil integrates meliora into the Aeneid, notably in Book 3 with "moniti meliora sequamur" ("having been warned, let us follow better things"), advising pursuit of wiser paths amid prophetic guidance, and in Book 12 with "forsan miseros meliora sequentur" ("perhaps better things will follow for the wretched"), offering hope in the face of suffering.^[13][14] These instances underscore meliora's substantive role, denoting not just abstract betterness but concrete "better things" or "improvements" as objects of aspiration. Phonetically, in classical Latin pronunciation—characterized by restored quantities and pitch accent—meliora is rendered as /meˈli.o.ra/, with short vowels (e as in "met," i as in "bit," o as in "pot," a as in "father") and stress on the penultimate syllable "li" due to the short penult "o."^[9] This pronunciation evolved from earlier Italic vocalic patterns, maintaining clarity in poetic and prosaic recitation.^[9]

Grammatical Forms and Meanings

"Meliora" functions as the nominative, accusative, and vocative forms of the neuter plural for the comparative adjective melior, melius, which is the irregular second-declension comparative degree of bonus, -a, -um meaning "good."^[15][16] This adjective declines like other comparatives, with stems ending in -or- for most cases and retaining -os- in the neuter nominative and accusative singular.^[15] The full declension of melior, melius is as follows: ^[15] Semantically, melior conveys superiority or improvement in quality, often in direct comparisons, such as preferring one option over another.^[16] In substantive use, particularly as the neuter plural meliora, it denotes "better things," "improved states," or "superior circumstances," abstracting the quality of betterness into concrete or situational references.^[16] For instance, in classical Latin literature, Ovid employs meliora in Metamorphoses 7.20–21: video meliora proboque, deteriora sequor ("I see better things and approve them, but I follow worse ones"), highlighting a moral tension between recognized improvements and contrary actions.^[17]

Use as an Institutional Motto

University of Rochester

The University of Rochester, founded in 1850, adopted "Meliora" as its official motto in 1851, shortly after its establishment, to encapsulate its aspirations for academic excellence and ongoing progress. The faculty recommended the word during a meeting on May 15, 1851, for inclusion on the university's seal, with the idea credited to Asahel C. Kendrick, the inaugural Munro Professor of Greek. This choice reflected the institution's early commitment to fostering improvement in education and scholarship amid its relocation from Baptist roots in Hamilton, New York, to a new campus in Rochester. The motto, derived from Latin and meaning "ever better," symbolizes a perpetual drive toward enhancement in teaching, research, and community impact.^[18][19] Deeply embedded in university culture, "Meliora" appears prominently on the official seal—first designed in 1851 and updated in 1928 to include the Eastman School of Music—and on flags, crests, and architectural elements across campus. It is inscribed in buildings such as Meliora Hall, which houses departments focused on brain and cognitive sciences, and is evoked in Dandelion Square near Rush Rhees Library, where four statues commissioned in 1874 by donor Hiram Sibley represent classical branches of learning, underscoring the motto's ties to intellectual pursuit. The annual Meliora Weekend, established in 2001 as a homecoming and reunion event, celebrates this ethos through lectures, athletic competitions, and family activities, drawing thousands to reinforce community bonds and the spirit of continuous betterment.^{[19][20][21][22]} In contemporary usage, "Meliora" guides the university's strategic initiatives and alumni engagement, emphasizing values like equity, leadership, and innovation. The 2030 Strategic Plan, titled "Boundless Possibility," centers on the motto to advance missions in learning, discovery, healing, and creation, aiming to make the world "ever better" through interdisciplinary research and inclusive practices. University publications, such as the Meliora Challenge fundraising campaign, invoke it to inspire alumni contributions that support scholarships and facilities, while institutional values statements highlight its role in promoting diversity, ethical leadership, and forward-thinking solutions to global challenges.^[23][24][25]

Other Institutions and Organizations

Beyond the University of Rochester, "Meliora" and its variants appear as mottos in several secondary and independent schools worldwide, often invoking themes of progress and aspiration. For instance, Ravenswood School for Girls, an independent Uniting Church school in Sydney, Australia, founded in 1901, adopts "semper ad meliora" as its motto, translated as "always towards better things," which is emblazoned on the school's crest and guides its educational philosophy of continuous improvement and empowerment.^[26] Similarly, Ryde High School, a public secondary school in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, established in 1937, uses "Ad Meliora" ("Onward to Better Things") as its motto, symbolizing a commitment to enhanced education and community betterment, as reflected in its historical publications and badge designs.^[27] In the United States, Liberty Common School, a charter school in Fort Collins, Colorado, employs "Semper ad meliora" ("Always Toward Better Things") as one of its annual mottos, emphasizing an ethos of ongoing personal and academic growth among its students.^[28] St. Patrick's College in Cavan, Ireland, a Roman Catholic secondary school dating to 1871, features "Ad meliora" ("Towards Better Things") as its motto, which underscores aspirations for moral and intellectual advancement in school ceremonies and ethos.^[29] Additionally, The Meliora School, a tuition-free public charter school set to open in Gwinnett County, Georgia, in 2026, derives its name from the Latin "meliora" and structures its core values around the acronym MELIORA, promoting relentless pursuit of excellence through reflection, effort, and innovation in a mastery-based learning environment.^[30] In corporate and nonprofit contexts, "semper ad meliora" serves as a motivational phrase for resilience and growth. iLean, a UK-based strategic lean consulting firm, incorporates it as its motto to signify a dedication to sustainable improvement across industry sectors.^[31] Likewise, Meliora Advisors, a US firm specializing in business valuation and venture capital, uses "Semper ad meliora" ("Always toward better things") to articulate its focus on value enhancement and forward-thinking advisory services.^[32] Meliora Growth Partners, a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs during economic challenges, adopts the same phrase to inspire pursuit of better outcomes in business and community development.^[33] These applications highlight "meliora"'s versatility in organizational charters and team-building, often post-20th century, as a call to iterative progress without direct ties to classical Latin revivalism.

Appearances in Arts and Entertainment

Music Albums and Songs

The Swedish rock band Ghost released their third studio album, Meliora, on August 21, 2015, through Loma Vista Recordings.^[34] Produced by Klas Åhlund, the record marked a significant evolution in the band's sound, incorporating elements of heavy metal, doom metal, psychedelia, and progressive rock while maintaining their signature theatrical and satirical style.^[35] The album debuted at number one on the Swedish Albums Chart and reached number eight on the US Billboard 200, selling approximately 29,000 units in its first week in the United States, nearly all from traditional album sales.^[36] Thematically, Meliora explores the absence of God and the societal consequences of intellectual rejection of religion, presenting a concept album that contrasts with the band's prior works focused on the Antichrist's arrival and presence.^[35] The title, derived from Latin meaning "better things" or the pursuit of something greater, underscores the band's ironic commentary on humanism, counterculture, and anti-establishment progress in a post-religious world.^[37] Key tracks include "Cirice," which won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards in 2016, and "From the Pinnacle to the Pit," both exemplifying the album's ominous yet euphoric tone designed to evoke a simulated religious mass.^[6] Critically acclaimed for its polished production and genre-blending innovation, Meliora earned an 8.5 out of 10 rating from AllMusic, with reviewers praising its catchy riffs, choral elements, and ability to balance accessibility with heaviness.^[38] It appeared on multiple year-end lists of the best heavy metal albums of 2015 and contributed to Ghost's rising prominence, culminating in a 10th-anniversary deluxe vinyl reissue released on October 17, 2025, featuring expanded tracks including the platinum-certified single "Square Hammer."^[39] The album's enduring impact is evident in its chart-topping legacy and role in propelling the band toward mainstream success. Beyond Ghost's influential release, "Meliora" has appeared sparingly in other musical contexts, often evoking aspirational or transformative themes in indie and electronic works. For instance, TNinety's 2021 track "Meliora" uses the word in lyrics reflecting personal growth and self-discovery, such as overcoming inner conflicts to embrace authenticity.^[40] Similarly, SOEL and Rinzen's 2022 electronic collaboration "Meliora" employs the title to symbolize progression and renewal within ambient soundscapes.^[41] These minor instances highlight the term's occasional use in 2010s and 2020s indie releases to convey optimism and improvement, though none achieved the cultural footprint of Ghost's album.

Literature and Other Media

In Victorian literature, the name "Meliora" appears as a character symbolizing moral self-sacrifice and improvement, often in narratives exploring women's roles and familial duty. In Dinah Mulock Craik's 1850 novel Olive, Meliora Vanbrugh is the devoted sister of artist Michael Vanbrugh, who dedicates her life to supporting his career at the expense of her own aspirations, embodying the era's ideals of selfless femininity and ethical fortitude.^[42] Similarly, the Latin phrase "video meliora proboque, deteriora sequor" (I see the better things and approve them, but I follow the worse) from Ovid's Metamorphoses is invoked in analyses of Alfred Lord Tennyson's 1832 poem "The Lady of Shalott," highlighting themes of internal conflict and the pursuit of higher moral paths amid temptation.^[43] In 20th-century speculative fiction, "Spero Meliora" (I hope for better things) serves as the title of an introductory essay by Harlan Ellison in his 1965 short story collection Paingod and Other Delusions, framing tales of alienation and human struggle with a motif of aspirational hope amid dystopian alienation.^[44] This usage underscores "meliora"'s thematic role in inspirational narratives, representing progress and resilience against societal decay, as Ellison reflects on the potential for improvement in a flawed world. Short films have employed "Ad Meliora" (toward better things) to explore personal growth and societal challenges. The 2019 experimental short Ad Meliora, directed by Rebekah Burrows, depicts the struggles of girls navigating gender inequality, using the phrase to evoke empowerment and forward momentum in a male-dominated environment.^[45] Likewise, the Estonian short Meliora (2024), directed by Kristin Hildebrand, follows a perfectionistic painter confronting inner turmoil, with the title signifying the drive for self-betterment through artistic and emotional revelation.^[46] In digital media, "meliora" has been adopted by online communities focused on self-improvement and collective aspiration. The Discord server Meliora, launched around 2020, fosters discussions on personal growth and inclusivity, drawing on the Latin term's connotation of "better things" to encourage members in pursuing enhanced well-being and skills.^[47] This reflects broader thematic employment of "meliora" in online spaces as a symbol of hope and progress, paralleling its inspirational undertones in non-musical narratives like Ellison's work.

Commercial and Brand Applications

Cleaning and Household Products

Meliora Cleaning Products is an eco-friendly brand specializing in non-toxic, plastic-free household cleaning and laundry items, founded in 2013 by engineers Kate Jakubas and Mike DeGeorge to provide safer alternatives with transparent ingredients.^[48][49] The company achieved MADE SAFE certification in 2016, becoming the first cleaning product line to meet these rigorous standards for human health and environmental safety, and it is also B Corp certified, Leaping Bunny cruelty-free, vegan, and rated "A" by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).^[49][50][51] The brand name "Meliora," derived from Latin meaning "better," reflects its ethos of creating improved products for people and the planet through plant-based, low-waste formulations.^[52][53] Key offerings include Laundry Powder Detergent, available in unscented and scented varieties (such as lavender, lemon, and peppermint using organic essential oils), which provides 128 high-efficiency (HE) loads per canister and is effective in HE machines with just 1/2 tablespoon per load; All-Purpose Home Cleaner in refill tablet form; and Dish Soap Bars made from organic coconut oil.^[54][55][56] The Laundry Powder, priced at $20.99 per canister (with refills at $16.99), uses ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, and vegetable soap for effective cleaning without preservatives, dyes, or synthetic fragrances.^[54] The All-Purpose Cleaner, safe on hard surfaces like glass, wood, stone, metal, and laminate, comes in a $15.99 starter kit with a reusable glass spray bottle and three unscented refill tablets ($5.99 for additional packs), though users should test it on hidden areas of delicate or treated surfaces, including natural stone, to avoid potential damage.^[55][57] Dish Soap Bars, priced around $10.98, and Foaming Hand Soap Refills further emphasize solid, concentrated formats to minimize liquid waste.^[58][56] As of 2025, these products are available directly from the company's website (with free U.S. shipping over $79) and through retail partners like Amazon, Thrive Market, EarthHero, The Soap Bar, and Erewhon stores in Los Angeles.^{[8][59][60][61]} Sustainability is central to Meliora's operations, with zero single-use plastics across the line—products ship in recyclable paperboard or reusable metal canisters, and refills like hand soap tablets and cleaner packs reduce packaging by up to 90%.^[62] Ingredients are plant-derived, such as organic coconut oil and USDA-certified organic agricultural raw materials, ethically sourced and screened by MADE SAFE for environmental impact, with 70% of materials domestically produced in the USA.^[50][55] Customer reviews highlight the products' efficacy, with the Laundry Powder averaging 4.7/5 from over 700 ratings for stain removal and gentleness on fabrics, and the overall brand scoring 4.8/5 across 889 Trustpilot reviews for cleaning power without harsh residues.^[54][63] By 2025, the company has expanded significantly, earning a spot on Inc. Magazine's 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, driven by its commitment to ethical sourcing and zero-waste innovations.^[64][51]

Fragrances and Cosmetics

In the beauty industry, "Meliora" has found notable application as the name of a luxury fragrance from Parfums de Marly, a niche perfume house inspired by the elegance of 18th-century French aristocracy and equestrian heritage.^[7] The fragrance Meliora is named after a historical broodmare, the mother of the famous stallion Tartar, reflecting the brand's equestrian heritage.^[65] Launched in 2013, Meliora Eau de Parfum is classified as a floral green scent primarily marketed for women, though its versatile profile appeals unisex.^[66] Crafted by perfumer Nathalie Lorson, it features a composition blending fruity top notes of blackcurrant, red berries, and raspberry with a heart of rose, ylang-ylang, and lily-of-the-valley, grounded by a base of vanilla, musk, and woody notes for a light, airy, and optimistic character.^[66][65] The fragrance's performance includes above-average longevity of around 7 hours and modest sillage, making it suitable for office or everyday wear without overwhelming.^[67][68] Reviews highlight its enchanting romanticism, praising the tamed wildness of the berry notes balanced by clean florals, often comparing it favorably to other Parfums de Marly offerings like the more oriental Safanad for its brighter, fruit-forward elegance.^[67][69] Priced at premium levels, a 75 ml bottle retails for approximately $355–$410 as of 2025, reflecting its positioning in the high-end niche market.^[7][70] Beyond perfumery, "Meliora" appears in minor cosmetic applications, particularly in 2020s indie skincare brands that adopt the name to evoke themes of "better" or improved skin health. For instance, Meliora Beauty, a sustainable line focused on transparent, eco-friendly formulations, emphasizes ingredient disclosure and wellness in products like cleansers and moisturizers.^[71][72] Similarly, Meliora Lab offers handmade organic cosmetics and candles, aligning the name with natural enhancement.^[73] These uses underscore a niche appeal in fragrance and beauty communities, where Meliora maintains steady popularity without reported reformulations by 2025, bolstered by its 4.0/5 rating from over 3,300 user reviews.^[66]

As a Personal Name

Historical and Modern Usage

Meliora derives from the Latin adjective melior, meaning "better," in its neuter plural form meliora, which conveys "better things" or "more pleasant."^[74] As a personal name, it emerged in medieval Europe, with records in England dating to 1381 and in Italy around 1265–1339, often appearing in Latin documents as Meliora or variants like Meliorata.^[75] By the 16th and 17th centuries in England, it gained traction among Puritans as a virtue name signaling aspiration toward moral or personal betterment, appearing in forms such as Mellior, Melyor, and Melliar.^[76] This usage aligned with Puritan practices of selecting names that embodied positive attributes, though Meliora remained regionally concentrated, particularly in Cornwall, where it has Cornish roots traceable to the 13th century.^[75] In modern contexts, Meliora is a rare feminine given name, prized for its elegant, classical sound and inspirational meaning.^[76] It is typically pronounced as /mɛˈliːɔːrə/ (meh-lee-OR-ah) in English, with a Cornish variant of /mɛlˈjɔːrə/ (mel-YOHR-ah).^[76] The name's uniqueness is highlighted on baby name resources, where it is described as lush and unusual, appealing to parents seeking uncommon options with historical depth.^[76] Variants include Melior, Mellora, Melyora, and Meliorah.^[77] Suggested pairings often feature nature-inspired or virtue-themed middle names, such as Meliora Rose or Meliora Grace, to enhance its melodic flow. Popularity remains low in both the United States and United Kingdom, with fewer than five births annually in the US since 2000 according to Social Security Administration data, placing it outside official rankings.^[78] In the UK, Office for National Statistics records show no entries in the top 1,000 names for recent years, confirming its rarity post-2000 with under 100 annual uses globally.^[79] Despite this obscurity, Meliora garners praise for its distinctiveness in naming communities focused on classical or literary inspirations, though some linguists note its plural grammatical structure in Latin renders it unconventional for individual use.^[74] Primarily feminine, the name occasionally appears in unisex contexts but lacks widespread masculine adoption.^[76]

Notable Individuals

The name Meliora remains exceptionally rare, with no major celebrities or high-profile public figures bearing it as of 2025. Historical records, primarily from England and its colonies, document a few individuals associated with notable families, though none are recognized for independent achievements. Meliora Ogle (September 13, 1750 – circa 1775) was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, England, as the daughter of Samuel Ogle, the proprietary governor of Maryland, and his wife Anne Nancy Tasker; she was the sister of Benjamin Ogle, who served as the ninth governor of Maryland from 1798 to 1801, linking her to early American colonial governance.^[80] Meliora married James Anderson and had at least one child, Rebecca Maria Harriett Anderson, before her early death in Hertford, England.^[80] Another early bearer was Meliora Houghton (circa 1631 – March 1663), born in England as the daughter of John Houghton of Wolverton, Somerset; she married Sir James Drax, a prominent English plantation owner in Barbados known for introducing advanced agricultural techniques to the Caribbean sugar industry during the mid-17th century.^[81] The couple had several children, including Meliora Drax (1651–1699), who later married Robert Pye, a parliamentarian; Houghton's life intersected with the colonial elite and transatlantic trade networks, though she left no documented personal contributions to science, arts, or reform.^[82] In contemporary contexts, the name's scarcity underscores its primary use in English-speaking countries, often evoking its Latin etymology of "ever better." One modern example is Meliora Thomas, a Nigerian consultant based in Lagos State, who graduated from Olabisi Onabanjo University and founded Meliora Consulting Services, a firm focused on business advisory; the business name directly reflects the inspirational connotation of improvement and progress.^[83] While not a public figure of widespread fame, such instances highlight how bearers may draw on the name's meaning in professional endeavors. The name has also appeared sporadically in literature as a character moniker, such as Meliora Aves in the user-generated fantasy setting "Erie" on World Anvil, where she is portrayed as a young woman with a mystical bond to crows, serving as agents in her narrative arc.^[84]