Mellissa

“Honeybee” — Associated with fertility and sweetness

Greece origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1178US 2023

1kBirths / yr

→Stable

5.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 192600.02% of births at peak

What does Mellissa mean and where does it come from?

Mellissa is derived from the Greek word 'μέλισσα' (mélissa), which means 'honeybee.' The name has deep roots in Greek mythology, associated with fertility and sweetness. It became popular in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, particularly in the United States. Notable bearers of the nam

Cultural significance

Mellissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of honeybee.

Peak popularity

Reached #641 in 1979 — currently #1178 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Mellissa?

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

Mellissa Grace

How popular is Mellissa right now?

Holding steady — currently #1178 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2023#1178 · Top 0.87%

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1178	1,022	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1183	1,002	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1188	972	▲ up 7581 · +7377% births
2010	#8769	13	▼ down 1219 · -13% births
2005	#7550	15	▼ down 2872 · -40% births
2000	#4678	25	▼ down 2645 · -63% births
1995	#2033	67	▼ down 764 · -48% births
1990	#1269	129	▼ down 397 · -30% births
1985	#872	184	▼ down 181 · -26% births
1980	#691	250	▲ up 114 · +46% births
1975	#805	171	▼ down 41 · -10% births
1970	#764	191	▲ up 552 · +177% births
1965	#1316	69	▲ up 914 · +146% births
1960	#2230	28	▲ up 1476 · +155% births
1955	#3706	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Mellissa

Best Year1980Rank #691

Peak Count1,022

Average Rank#2675

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1950 - 202316 years

The story of Mellissa

Mellissa entered American naming records in 1926 and has been in use for over 98 years. With 5,623 total births recorded, Mellissa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4573 in 1950 to #1178 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Mellissa in 1979:

Jennifer Melissa Amanda Jessica Amy

Mellissa by decade

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

Decade	Births
1920s	5
1940s	5
1950s	143
1960s	874
1970s ★	1,921
1980s	1,728
1990s	704
2000s	201
2010s	42

💎With 5,623 total births, Mellissa is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Mellissa?

Common

MelMeIssa

What names sound and feel like Mellissa?

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

English · A meaningful name

Bellissa

Italy · Italian

Kellissa

American · Derived from the

Common questions about the name Mellissa

What does the name Mellissa mean?

Mellissa 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 Mellissa?

Mellissa 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 Mellissa?

Mellissa 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.

What sibling names go well with Mellissa?

Mellissa 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.

Is Mellissa a common or rare name?

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