What does Malisa mean and where does it come from?
The name Malisa can be considered a modern blend of Mary and Lisa, making it a popular name in the United States and among English-speaking populations. It also appears in Slavic cultures where it can mean 'noble'. Malisa has been seen in various spellings and forms across different regions and ofte
Cultural significance
Malisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a combination of mary and lisa.
Peak popularity
Reached #1038 in 1885 — currently #14607 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Malisa?
Malisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Malisa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Malisa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Malisa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Malisa Claire
French influence · crisp
Malisa Jane
Literary · strong
Malisa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Malisa right now?
Falling — down 113 spots — currently #14607 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #14607 | 6 | ▼ down 113 |
| 2015 | #14494 | 6 | ▼ down 1023 · -14% births |
| 2010 | #13471 | 7 | ▼ down 4561 · -42% births |
| 2005 | #8910 | 12 | ▼ down 864 |
| 2000 | #8046 | 12 | ▼ down 3691 · -48% births |
| 1995 | #4355 | 23 | ▼ down 1751 · -49% births |
| 1990 | #2604 | 45 | ▼ down 52 · +18% births |
| 1985 | #2552 | 38 | ▼ down 922 · -46% births |
| 1980 | #1630 | 71 | ▼ down 360 · -19% births |
| 1975 | #1270 | 88 | ▲ up 8 · +4% births |
| 1970 | #1278 | 85 | ▲ up 188 · +49% births |
| 1965 | #1466 | 57 | ▲ up 2494 · +418% births |
| 1960 | #3960 | 11 | ▲ up 1308 · +83% births |
| 1955 | #5268 | 6 | ▼ down 3831 · +20% births |
| 1890 | #1437 | 5 | — |
The story of Malisa
Malisa has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 2,334 total births recorded, Malisa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1038 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14607 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Malisa in 1885:
Malisa by decade
Malisa peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 11 | |
| 1890s | 10 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 36 | |
| 1960s | 452 | |
| 1970s ★ | 866 | |
| 1980s | 512 | |
| 1990s | 303 | |
| 2000s | 105 | |
| 2010s | 34 | |
💎With 2,334 total births, Malisa is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Malisa?
What names sound and feel like Malisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Malisa also consider these
Common questions about the name Malisa
What does the name Malisa mean?
Malisa means "a combination of Mary and Lisa" — 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 Malisa?
Malisa is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Malisa?
Malisa 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.
How do you pronounce the name Malisa?
Malisa is a three-syllable name pronounced M AE1 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 Malisa?
Malisa 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.