What does Alissa mean and where does it come from?
Alissa is derived from the Hebrew name Elisheba (אֱלִישֶׁבַע), meaning 'God is my oath' or 'joy.' Alissa became popular in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century, often seen as a variant of Alice. The name has historical roots as well as contemporary popularity, associated with hap
Cultural significance
Alissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of joy; happiness.
Peak popularity
Reached #236 in 1979 — currently #1199 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Alissa?
Alissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Alissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Alissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Alissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Alissa Jane
Literary · strong
Alissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Alissa right now?
Holding steady — currently #1199 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1199 | 1,001 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1204 | 981 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1209 | 951 | ▲ up 224 · +530% births |
| 2020 | #1433 | 151 | ▼ down 487 · -47% births |
| 2015 | #946 | 287 | ▼ down 433 · -51% births |
| 2010 | #513 | 584 | ▼ down 145 · -31% births |
| 2005 | #368 | 849 | ▼ down 90 · -27% births |
| 2000 | #278 | 1,156 | ▼ down 3 · +16% births |
| 1995 | #275 | 999 | ▲ up 2 |
| 1990 | #277 | 998 | ▲ up 21 · +21% births |
| 1985 | #298 | 823 | ▼ down 32 · -13% births |
| 1980 | #266 | 944 | ▲ up 219 · +148% births |
| 1975 | #485 | 381 | ▲ up 44 · +6% births |
| 1970 | #529 | 358 | ▲ up 567 · +289% births |
| 1965 | #1096 | 92 | — |
The story of Alissa
Alissa entered American naming records in 1948 and has been in use for over 76 years. A total of 37,968 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2650 in 1950 to #1199 in 2023. Alissa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Alissa in 1979:
Alissa by decade
Alissa peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 14 | |
| 1950s | 203 | |
| 1960s | 1,245 | |
| 1970s | 4,633 | |
| 1980s | 8,222 | |
| 1990s ★ | 10,803 | |
| 2000s | 9,441 | |
| 2010s | 3,256 | |
| 2020s | 151 | |
What are good nicknames for Alissa?
AFRICAN AMERICAN
KalishaTalisha
ANCIENT GERMANIC
AdelaAdelina
Famous people named Alissa
A(
Alissa (historical community leader)
Alissa led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
A(
Alissa (historical figure)
Alissa bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Alissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alissa also consider these
How is Alissa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Alissa
What does the name Alissa mean?
Alissa means "Joy; happiness" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Alissa?
Alissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Alissa?
Alissa originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Alissa?
Alissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Alissa a common or rare name?
Alissa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.