What does Melisa mean and where does it come from?
Melisa is a variant of the name Melissa, which is of Greek origin meaning 'honeybee'. The name is popular in Greece and has gained traction in other countries, including Turkey and the United States. Its first recorded use dates back to ancient Greece, and it is associated with the mythological figu
Cultural significance
Melisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of honeybee.
Peak popularity
Reached #343 in 1973 — currently #2950 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Melisa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Melisa?
Melisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Melisa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Melisa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Melisa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Melisa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Melisa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Melisa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Melisa right now?
Rising fast — up 121 spots — currently #2950 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2950 | 57 | ▲ up 121 · +8% births |
| 2024 | #3071 | 53 | ▼ down 2282 · -96% births |
| 2023 | #789 | 1,411 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #794 | 1,391 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #799 | 1,361 | ▲ up 2644 · +2993% births |
| 2020 | #3443 | 44 | ▼ down 853 · -36% births |
| 2015 | #2590 | 69 | ▼ down 940 · -47% births |
| 2010 | #1650 | 129 | ▼ down 436 · -31% births |
| 2005 | #1214 | 188 | ▼ down 220 · -12% births |
| 2000 | #994 | 213 | ▼ down 36 · +8% births |
| 1995 | #958 | 197 | ▼ down 184 · -25% births |
| 1990 | #774 | 264 | ▼ down 248 · -30% births |
| 1985 | #526 | 379 | ▼ down 121 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #405 | 566 | ▼ down 26 · +3% births |
| 1975 | #379 | 548 | — |
The story of Melisa
Melisa entered American naming records in 1948 and has been in use for over 76 years. A total of 18,851 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5236 in 1950 to #789 in 2023. Melisa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Melisa in 1973:
Melisa by decade
Melisa peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 10 | |
| 1950s | 473 | |
| 1960s | 3,396 | |
| 1970s ★ | 5,900 | |
| 1980s | 3,885 | |
| 1990s | 2,276 | |
| 2000s | 1,937 | |
| 2010s | 930 | |
| 2020s | 154 | |
What are good nicknames for Melisa?
ENGLISH
LissaMalindaMelMelanthaMelinaMelindaMindyMissieMissy
What names sound and feel like Melisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Melisa also consider these
How is Melisa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Melisa
What does the name Melisa mean?
Melisa means "Honeybee" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Melisa?
Melisa is currently ranked #789 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Melisa?
Melisa originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Melisa?
Melisa is a three-syllable name pronounced MEL-EE-suh. 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 Melisa?
Melisa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.