Melisse

“French” — Associated with sweetness and femin

France origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1729US 2023

471Births / yr

→Stable

273All-time births

📅 Since 193900

How to pronounce Melisse

MEL·is

/ˈmɛl.ɪs/ · stress on MEL · 2 syllables

“French”

Associated with sweetness and femin · France origin

What does Melisse mean and where does it come from?

Melisse originates from French and is derived from the word for the lemon balm plant (Melissa officinalis), which is known for its honey-scented leaves. The name gained some popularity in the United States due to its melodic quality and exotic feel. It is commonly associated with sweetness and femin

Cultural significance

Melisse has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of french.

Peak popularity

Reached #3839 in 1975 — currently #1729 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Melisse?

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

Melisse Grace

How popular is Melisse right now?

Holding steady — currently #1729 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1955–2023#1729 · Top 1.3%

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1729	471	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1734	451	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2021	#1739	421	▲ up 5998 · +5163% births
1985	#7737	8	▲ up 3018 · +60% births
1980	#10755	5	▼ down 6916 · -71% births
1975	#3839	17	▲ up 291 · +21% births
1970	#4130	14	▲ up 1413 · +100% births
1965	#5543	7	▼ down 83
1960	#5460	7	▼ down 1192 · -22% births
1955	#4268	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Melisse

Best Year2023Rank #1729

Peak Count471

Average Rank#4693

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1955 - 202310 years

The story of Melisse

Melisse entered American naming records in 1939 and has been in use for over 85 years. With 273 total births recorded, Melisse remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4268 in 1955 to #1729 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Melisse in 1975:

Jennifer Amy Heather Melissa Angela

Melisse by decade

Melisse peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1930s	5
1950s	34
1960s	48
1970s ★	125
1980s	61

💎Melisse has only 273 total recorded births since 1939 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Melisse?

Common

MelMelieMelyIsse

What names sound and feel like Melisse?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Melisse also consider these

American · a honey field

Yvelisse

France · Yvelisse is a

Elisse

American · Variant of Elise,

Common questions about the name Melisse

What does the name Melisse mean?

Melisse means "French" — a name rooted in France 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 Melisse?

Melisse 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 Melisse?

Melisse originates from France tradition. France 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 Melisse?

Melisse is a two-syllable name pronounced M EH1 L IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Melisse a common or rare name?

Melisse is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.