Nelissa

“The name Nelissa is a contemporary name that likely emerged in the late 20th century”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1289US 2023

911Births / yr

→Stable

169All-time births

📅 Since 197400

How to pronounce Nelissa

NEL·IS·uh

/ˈnɛl.ˈɪs.ə/ · stress on NEL · 3 syllables

“The name Nelissa is a contemporary name that likely emerged in the late 20th century”

American origin · Girl name

What does Nelissa mean and where does it come from?

The name Nelissa is a contemporary name that likely emerged in the late 20th century. It is more common in the United States and is often chosen for its melodic sound. Nelissa has a youthful and vibrant feel and has been used in various forms of modern media.

Cultural significance

Nelissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #6209 in 1987 — currently #1289 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Nelissa?

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

Nelissa Grace

How popular is Nelissa right now?

Holding steady — currently #1289 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#1289 · Top 0.95%

1975

1980

1985

1990

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1289	911	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1294	891	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1299	861	▲ up 12438 · +14250% births
2000	#13737	6	▼ down 2967 · -14% births
1990	#10770	7	▲ up 826 · +40% births
1985	#11596	5	▼ down 4315 · -44% births
1980	#7281	9	▲ up 613 · +29% births
1975	#7894	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Nelissa

Best Year2023Rank #1289

Peak Count911

Average Rank#6895

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 20238 years

The story of Nelissa

Nelissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 169 total births recorded, Nelissa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7894 in 1975 to #1289 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Nelissa in 1987:

Jessica Ashley Amanda Jennifer Sarah

Nelissa by decade

Nelissa peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	33
1980s ★	63
1990s	39
2000s	29
2010s	5

💎Nelissa has only 169 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Nelissa?

Common

NelNelieNelyIssa

What names sound and feel like Nelissa?

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

Neissa

American · Bright or shining.

American · happy; fortunate

Nelisa

South Africa · English

Common questions about the name Nelissa

What does the name Nelissa mean?

Nelissa means "English" — 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 Nelissa?

Nelissa 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 Nelissa?

Nelissa 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 Nelissa?

Nelissa is a three-syllable name pronounced N EH1 L 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 Nelissa?

Nelissa 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.