What does Elissa mean and where does it come from?
Elissa is a name of Hebrew origin, often associated with the biblical meaning 'God is my oath.' This name has been used in various cultures, including English-speaking countries. In literature, Elissa is related to Dido, the legendary Queen of Carthage, and has been used in various adaptations over
Cultural significance
Elissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is my oath.
Peak popularity
Reached #496 in 1979 — currently #1465 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Elissa?
Elissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Elissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Elissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Elissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Elissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Elissa Jane
Literary · strong
Elissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Elissa right now?
Declining — down 49 spots — currently #1465 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1465 | 150 | ▼ down 49 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #1416 | 160 | ▼ down 71 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #1345 | 164 | ▼ down 7 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #1338 | 163 | ▲ up 60 · -2% births |
| 2015 | #1398 | 167 | ▼ down 274 · -24% births |
| 2010 | #1124 | 219 | ▼ down 214 · -20% births |
| 2005 | #910 | 274 | ▼ down 118 · -6% births |
| 2000 | #792 | 290 | ▼ down 78 |
| 1995 | #714 | 290 | ▲ up 30 · +4% births |
| 1990 | #744 | 279 | ▼ down 121 · -8% births |
| 1985 | #623 | 302 | ▼ down 92 · -15% births |
| 1980 | #531 | 357 | ▲ up 161 · +65% births |
| 1975 | #692 | 216 | ▼ down 53 · -16% births |
| 1970 | #639 | 258 | ▲ up 395 · +153% births |
| 1965 | #1034 | 102 | — |
The story of Elissa
Elissa entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. A total of 17,303 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3710 in 1915 to #1465 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Elissa in 1979:
Elissa by decade
Elissa peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 46 | |
| 1920s | 37 | |
| 1930s | 378 | |
| 1940s | 676 | |
| 1950s | 1,282 | |
| 1960s | 1,350 | |
| 1970s | 2,466 | |
| 1980s ★ | 3,277 | |
| 1990s | 2,864 | |
| 2000s | 2,653 | |
| 2010s | 2,111 | |
| 2020s | 163 | |
What are good nicknames for Elissa?
Famous people named Elissa
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Elissa (historical community leader)
Elissa led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Elissa (historical figure)
Elissa 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 Elissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Elissa
What does the name Elissa mean?
Elissa means "God is my oath" — 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 Elissa?
Elissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Elissa?
Elissa 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.
How do you pronounce the name Elissa?
Elissa is a three-syllable name pronounced EH0 L IY1 S AH0. 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 Elissa?
Elissa 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.