What does Alyssa mean and where does it come from?
Alyssa (Αλύσσα) has roots in the Greek word 'alyssum', a flower name believed to mean 'rational or noble'. The name rose to prominence in the United States during the late 20th century, helping spark interest in floral names. Notable figures include Alyssa Milano, an American actress and activist, s
Cultural significance
Alyssa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #11 in 1998 — currently #453 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Alyssa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Alyssa?
Alyssa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alyssa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Alyssa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Alyssa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Alyssa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Alyssa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Alyssa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Alyssa right now?
Falling — down 54 spots — currently #453 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #453 | 680 | ▼ down 54 · -14% births |
| 2024 | #399 | 795 | ▼ down 65 · -14% births |
| 2023 | #334 | 929 | ▼ down 46 · -15% births |
| 2022 | #288 | 1,098 | ▼ down 55 · -16% births |
| 2021 | #233 | 1,301 | ▼ down 34 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #199 | 1,460 | ▼ down 106 · -55% births |
| 2015 | #93 | 3,252 | ▼ down 73 · -53% births |
| 2010 | #20 | 6,991 | ▼ down 4 · -36% births |
| 2005 | #16 | 10,890 | ▼ down 4 · -20% births |
| 2000 | #12 | 13,553 | ▲ up 15 · +34% births |
| 1995 | #27 | 10,100 | stable · -10% births |
| 1990 | #27 | 11,261 | ▲ up 103 · +399% births |
| 1985 | #130 | 2,258 | ▲ up 87 · +92% births |
| 1980 | #217 | 1,179 | ▲ up 155 · +111% births |
| 1975 | #372 | 559 | — |
The story of Alyssa
Alyssa entered American naming records in 1950 and has been in use for over 74 years. Its peak popularity was #11 in 1998. More than 310,075 babies have been named Alyssa since 1950. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5985 in 1950 to #334 in 2023. Alyssa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Alyssa in 1998:
Alyssa by decade
Alyssa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 98 | |
| 1960s | 1,507 | |
| 1970s | 6,088 | |
| 1980s | 33,051 | |
| 1990s ★ | 115,383 | |
| 2000s | 114,624 | |
| 2010s | 37,864 | |
| 2020s | 2,935 | |
What are good nicknames for Alyssa?
AFRICAN AMERICAN
KalishaTalisha
ANCIENT GERMANIC
AdelaAdelina
Famous people named Alyssa
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Alyssa (Byzantine leader)
Alyssa used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
A(
Alyssa (modern Greek athlete)
Alyssa brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
A(
Alyssa (ancient philosopher)
Alyssa bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
A(
Alyssa (Greek mythological figure)
Alyssa carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Alyssa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alyssa also consider these
How is Alyssa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Alyssa
What does the name Alyssa mean?
Alyssa means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Alyssa?
Alyssa is currently ranked #334 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Alyssa?
Alyssa originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Alyssa?
Alyssa is a three-syllable name pronounced ul-IS-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Alyssa?
Alyssa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.