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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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Mellissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mellissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Mellissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Mellissa Jane
Literary · strong
Mellissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mellissa right now?
Holding steady — currently #1178 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Mellissa by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like Mellissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mellissa also consider these
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.