Melesha
A variant of Melissa
American origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#1316US 2023
884Births / yr
Stable
18All-time births
📅 Since 197400
How to pronounce Melesha
MEL·ESH·AH
/ˈmɛl.ˈɛsh.ˈɑ/ · stress on MEL · 3 syllables
A variant of Melissa
American origin · Girl name

What does Melesha mean and where does it come from?

Melesha is a modern name which can be perceived as a variant of Melissa. The name Melissa originates from Greek, meaning 'honeybee'. Melesha may also have connections to creativity and sweetness due to its phonetic similarities. It has been primarily found within the United States, gaining traction

Cultural significance
Melesha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of melissa.
Peak popularity
Reached #8679 in 1974 — currently #1316 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Melesha?

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

Melesha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Melesha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Melesha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Melesha Claire
French influence · crisp
Melesha Jane
Literary · strong
Melesha Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Melesha
Browse ideas →

How popular is Melesha right now?

Holding steady — currently #1316 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20212023#1316 · Top 0.97%
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1316884▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022#1321864▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021#1326834

The story of Melesha

Melesha is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 18 total births recorded, Melesha remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1326 in 2021 to #1316 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Melesha in 1974:

💎Melesha has only 18 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Melesha?

Common
MelMelieMelyEsha

Common questions about the name Melesha

What does the name Melesha mean?
Melesha means "A variant of Melissa" — 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 Melesha?
Melesha 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 Melesha?
Melesha 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 Melesha?
Melesha is a three-syllable name pronounced M EH1 L EH1 S HH AA1. 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 Melesha?
Melesha 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.