What does Melissa mean and where does it come from?
Originating from the Greek word 'melissa' (μελίσσα) for honeybee, the name Melissa became popular in the English-speaking world during the 20th century. It often symbolizes sweetness and industriousness due to bees’ reputations. Historically, the name appeared in Greek mythology as Melissa, a nymph
Cultural significance
Melissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of honeybee.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1977 — currently #410 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Melissa?
Melissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Melissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Melissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Melissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Melissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Melissa Jane
Literary · strong
Melissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Melissa right now?
Declining — down 31 spots — currently #410 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #410 | 743 | ▼ down 31 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #379 | 823 | ▼ down 7 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #372 | 836 | ▼ down 24 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #348 | 881 | ▼ down 95 · -31% births |
| 2015 | #253 | 1,281 | ▼ down 97 · -34% births |
| 2010 | #156 | 1,949 | ▼ down 52 · -37% births |
| 2005 | #104 | 3,084 | ▼ down 33 · -32% births |
| 2000 | #71 | 4,529 | ▼ down 36 · -43% births |
| 1995 | #35 | 7,877 | ▼ down 15 · -44% births |
| 1990 | #20 | 13,998 | ▼ down 9 · -30% births |
| 1985 | #11 | 19,956 | ▼ down 7 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #4 | 31,636 | stable · +31% births |
| 1975 | #4 | 24,165 | ▲ up 3 · +2% births |
| 1970 | #7 | 23,737 | ▲ up 31 · +125% births |
| 1965 | #38 | 10,565 | — |
The story of Melissa
Melissa has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1977, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 759K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Melissa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Melissa in 1977:
Melissa by decade
Melissa peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 427 | |
| 1890s | 399 | |
| 1900s | 323 | |
| 1910s | 516 | |
| 1920s | 527 | |
| 1930s | 666 | |
| 1940s | 2,839 | |
| 1950s | 22,320 | |
| 1960s | 119,512 | |
| 1970s ★ | 254,178 | |
| 1980s | 218,827 | |
| 1990s | 90,247 | |
| 2000s | 32,679 | |
| 2010s | 14,261 | |
| 2020s | 881 | |
What are good nicknames for Melissa?
ENGLISH
LissaMalindaMelMelanthaMelinaMelindaMindyMissieMissy
Famous people named Melissa
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Melissa (ancient philosopher)
Melissa bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
M(
Melissa (Greek poet or artist)
Melissa helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
M(
Melissa (modern Greek athlete)
Melissa brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
M(
Melissa (ancient philosopher)
Melissa bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Melissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Melissa also consider these
How is Melissa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Melissa
What does the name Melissa mean?
Melissa means "Honeybee" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Melissa?
Melissa is currently ranked #410 in the United States as a baby 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 Melissa?
Melissa originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Melissa?
Melissa is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 L IH1 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 Melissa?
Melissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.