What does Elyssa mean and where does it come from?
Elyssa has roots in Hebrew with the spelling אֱלִישָׁע, meaning 'God's promise'. It can also derive from the Greek word for 'floating', linking it to Greek mythology. It gained popularity in modern times, especially in English-speaking and French-speaking countries. The name has a sophisticated unde
Cultural significance
Elyssa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god's promise.
Peak popularity
Reached #802 in 1998 — currently #3787 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Elyssa?
Elyssa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Elyssa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Elyssa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Elyssa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Elyssa Claire
French influence · crisp
Elyssa Jane
Literary · strong
Elyssa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Elyssa right now?
Falling — down 820 spots — currently #3787 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3787 | 40 | ▼ down 820 · -29% births |
| 2022 | #2967 | 56 | ▼ down 175 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #2792 | 61 | ▼ down 541 · -23% births |
| 2020 | #2251 | 79 | ▼ down 330 · -25% births |
| 2015 | #1921 | 105 | ▼ down 646 · -44% births |
| 2010 | #1275 | 187 | ▼ down 283 · -24% births |
| 2005 | #992 | 246 | ▼ down 115 · -2% births |
| 2000 | #877 | 252 | ▲ up 128 · +35% births |
| 1995 | #1005 | 186 | ▼ down 19 · -1% births |
| 1990 | #986 | 188 | ▲ up 559 · +138% births |
| 1985 | #1545 | 79 | ▲ up 724 · +80% births |
| 1980 | #2269 | 44 | ▲ up 1591 · +159% births |
| 1975 | #3860 | 17 | ▼ down 35 · +6% births |
| 1970 | #3825 | 16 | ▲ up 1830 · +129% births |
| 1965 | #5655 | 7 | — |
The story of Elyssa
Elyssa entered American naming records in 1954 and has been in use for over 70 years. With 7,034 total births recorded, Elyssa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4728 in 1960 to #3787 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Elyssa in 1998:
Elyssa by decade
Elyssa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 13 | |
| 1960s | 116 | |
| 1970s | 266 | |
| 1980s | 796 | |
| 1990s | 2,093 | |
| 2000s ★ | 2,417 | |
| 2010s | 1,254 | |
| 2020s | 79 | |
💎With 7,034 total births, Elyssa is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Elyssa?
What names sound and feel like Elyssa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elyssa also consider these
Common questions about the name Elyssa
What does the name Elyssa mean?
Elyssa means "God's promise" — a name rooted in English 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 Elyssa?
Elyssa 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 Elyssa?
Elyssa originates from English tradition. English 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 Elyssa?
Elyssa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Elyssa a common or rare name?
Elyssa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.