What does Illissa mean and where does it come from?
Illissa is a relatively modern name and can be viewed as a creative adaptation of Elissa. Elissa is of Phoenician origin and is often associated with the legendary Queen Dido of Carthage. The name has gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. Its charming phonetic
Cultural significance
Illissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of modern variant of the name 'elissa', often associated with the meaning 'god is my oath'..
Peak popularity
Reached #15492 in 1993 — currently #720 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Illissa?
Illissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Illissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Illissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Illissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Illissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Illissa Jane
Literary · strong
Illissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Illissa right now?
Holding steady — currently #720 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #720 | 1,480 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #725 | 1,460 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #730 | 1,430 | — |
The story of Illissa
Illissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1993. With 5 total births recorded, Illissa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #730 in 2021 to #720 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Illissa in 1993:
💎Illissa has only 5 total recorded births since 1993 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Illissa?
What names sound and feel like Illissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Illissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Illissa
What does the name Illissa mean?
Illissa means "Modern variant of the name 'Elissa', often associated with the meaning 'God is my oath'." — a name rooted in American 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 Illissa?
Illissa is currently ranked #720 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Illissa?
Illissa originates from American tradition. American 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 Illissa?
Illissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
What are good nicknames for Illissa?
Illissa naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.