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.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Melisse Rose
Floral · soft ending
Melisse Mae
Sweet · timeless
Melisse Claire
French influence · crisp
Melisse Jane
Literary · strong
Melisse Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Melisse right now?
Holding steady — currently #1729 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
What names sound and feel like Melisse?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Melisse also consider these
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.