The origin of the term "Malta" is uncertain, and the modern-day variation derives from the Maltese language. The most common etymology derives from the Greek word μέλι (meli), 'honey'. The Greeks called the island Μελίτη (Melite) meaning "honey-sweet," possibly due to Malta's unique production of honey; an endemic species of bee lives on the island, giving it the popular nickname the "land of honey". The Romans went on to call the island Melita, the romanization of the Greek Μελίτη Another etymology is the Phoenician word Maleth, the Phoenician name for the islands, meaning "a haven" in reference to Malta's many bays and coves.