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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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Ilyssa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ilyssa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ilyssa Claire
French influence · crisp
Ilyssa Jane
Literary · strong
Ilyssa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ilyssa right now?
Rising fast — up 1229 spots — currently #14154 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Ilyssa by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like Ilyssa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ilyssa also consider these
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.