What does Merissa mean and where does it come from?
Merissa is often considered a modern variant of Melissa. The name Melissa has ancient Greek origins, commonly derived from the word 'melissa' (μέλισσα), which means 'honey bee'. It is often associated with sweetness and industry. The variant Merissa has gained popularity particularly in English-spea
Cultural significance
Merissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a form of the name melissa, which means 'bee'..
Peak popularity
Reached #1047 in 1995 — currently #14974 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Merissa?
Merissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Merissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Merissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Merissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Merissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Merissa Jane
Literary · strong
Merissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Merissa right now?
Falling — down 7286 spots — currently #14974 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2015 | #12045 | 8 | ▼ down 7286 · -73% births |
| 2010 | #4759 | 30 | ▼ down 2437 · -61% births |
| 2005 | #2322 | 77 | ▼ down 393 · -12% births |
| 2000 | #1929 | 88 | ▼ down 882 · -49% births |
| 1995 | #1047 | 172 | ▲ up 14 · +2% births |
| 1990 | #1061 | 168 | ▲ up 691 · +158% births |
| 1985 | #1752 | 65 | ▲ up 337 · +30% births |
| 1980 | #2089 | 50 | ▲ up 774 · +92% births |
| 1975 | #2863 | 26 | ▲ up 1347 · +86% births |
| 1970 | #4210 | 14 | ▲ up 2203 · +133% births |
| 1965 | #6413 | 6 | — |
The story of Merissa
Merissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. With 3,413 total births recorded, Merissa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6413 in 1965, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12045 in 2015.
Names that peaked alongside Merissa in 1995:
Merissa by decade
Merissa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 17 | |
| 1970s | 307 | |
| 1980s | 853 | |
| 1990s ★ | 1,400 | |
| 2000s | 711 | |
| 2010s | 125 | |
💎With 3,413 total births, Merissa is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Merissa?
What names sound and feel like Merissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Merissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Merissa
What does the name Merissa mean?
Merissa means "a form of the name Melissa, which means 'bee'." — a name rooted in American 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 Merissa?
Merissa 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 Merissa?
Merissa originates from American tradition. American 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 Merissa?
Merissa is a three-syllable name pronounced M EH1 R 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 Merissa?
Merissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.