Ilyssa

“A form of Alyssa” — Associated with references to mythology

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#14154US 2021

6Births / yr

↑Rising

778All-time births

📅 Since 196500

What does Ilyssa mean and where does it come from?

Ilyssa is a contemporary variant of the name Alyssa. The name gained popularity in the United States around the 1980s and 1990s. The name's Greek connection is often associated with references to mythology, particularly relating to flowers. Notable figures with the name include Ilyssa Smith, a risin

Cultural significance

Ilyssa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a form of alyssa.

Peak popularity

Reached #3593 in 2004 — currently #14154 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Ilyssa?

Ilyssa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ilyssa Grace

How popular is Ilyssa right now?

Rising fast — up 1229 spots — currently #14154 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1965–2021#14154 · Top 10%

1965

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2021	#14154	6	▲ up 1229 · +20% births
2020	#15383	5	▼ down 3329 · -37% births
2015	#12054	8	▼ down 4460 · -50% births
2010	#7594	16	▼ down 2973 · -45% births
2005	#4621	29	▲ up 1153 · +53% births
2000	#5774	19	▼ down 246 · +12% births
1995	#5528	17	▼ down 917 · -19% births
1990	#4611	21	▲ up 3272 · +163% births
1985	#7883	8	▼ down 1317 · -20% births
1980	#6566	10	▼ down 743
1975	#5823	10	▲ up 655 · +67% births
1965	#6478	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ilyssa

Best Year1990Rank #4611

Peak Count29

Average Rank#8039

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1965 - 202112 years

The story of Ilyssa

Ilyssa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1965. With 778 total births recorded, Ilyssa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6478 in 1965, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14154 in 2021.

Names that peaked alongside Ilyssa in 2004:

Emily Emma Madison Olivia Hannah

Ilyssa by decade

Ilyssa peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	32
1970s	23
1980s	128
1990s	218
2000s ★	247
2010s	125
2020s	5

💎Ilyssa has only 778 total recorded births since 1965 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ilyssa?

Common

Ily

What names sound and feel like Ilyssa?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ilyssa also consider these

Ilysa

American · God is my

Illyssa

American · a variation of

Ilissa

Greece · Greek

Illissa

American · Modern variant of

Olyssa

American · Derived from the

Common questions about the name Ilyssa

What does the name Ilyssa mean?

Ilyssa means "A form of Alyssa" — 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 Ilyssa?

Ilyssa 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 Ilyssa?

Ilyssa 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 Ilyssa?

Ilyssa 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.

Is Ilyssa a common or rare name?

Ilyssa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.