What does Malissa mean and where does it come from?
Malissa is a variant of Melissa, which is derived from the Greek word 'melissa' meaning 'honey bee'. The name has been used since ancient times and has its roots in Greek mythology, where Melissa was a nymph who cared for the infant Zeus. In modern usage, Malissa has been found primarily in the Unit
Cultural significance
Malissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bee.
Peak popularity
Reached #348 in 1880 — currently #11546 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Malissa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Malissa?
Malissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Malissa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Malissa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Malissa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Malissa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Malissa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Malissa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Malissa right now?
Rising fast — up 1412 spots — currently #11546 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #11546 | 8 | ▲ up 1412 · +14% births |
| 2023 | #12958 | 7 | ▲ up 3863 · +40% births |
| 2022 | #16821 | 5 | ▼ down 2212 · -17% births |
| 2021 | #14609 | 6 | ▼ down 3629 · -25% births |
| 2020 | #10980 | 8 | ▼ down 1512 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #9468 | 11 | ▼ down 245 · -8% births |
| 2010 | #9223 | 12 | ▼ down 4850 · -61% births |
| 2005 | #4373 | 31 | ▼ down 708 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #3665 | 35 | ▼ down 1448 · -42% births |
| 1995 | #2217 | 60 | ▼ down 1071 · -60% births |
| 1990 | #1146 | 150 | ▼ down 217 · -12% births |
| 1985 | #929 | 170 | ▼ down 137 · -18% births |
| 1980 | #792 | 207 | ▼ down 134 · -10% births |
| 1975 | #658 | 231 | ▼ down 28 · -13% births |
| 1970 | #630 | 265 | — |
The story of Malissa
Malissa has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 8,834 total births recorded, Malissa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #348 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12958 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Malissa in 1880:
Malissa by decade
Malissa peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 185 | |
| 1890s | 192 | |
| 1900s | 196 | |
| 1910s | 250 | |
| 1920s | 265 | |
| 1930s | 121 | |
| 1940s | 149 | |
| 1950s | 293 | |
| 1960s | 1,403 | |
| 1970s ★ | 2,657 | |
| 1980s | 1,804 | |
| 1990s | 902 | |
| 2000s | 302 | |
| 2010s | 107 | |
| 2020s | 16 | |
💎With 8,834 total births, Malissa is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Malissa?
What names sound and feel like Malissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Malissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Malissa
What does the name Malissa mean?
Malissa means "bee" — 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 Malissa?
Malissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Malissa have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Malissa?
Malissa 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 Malissa?
Malissa is a three-syllable name pronounced MAL-IS-uh. 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 Malissa?
Malissa 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.