Melissa
Honey bee — a girl name of Greek origin
Popularity of Melissa in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Melissa
Melissa derives from the Greek word "melissa," meaning "honey bee." In Greek mythology, the Melissae were nymphs associated with bees and honey, and in one myth, a nymph named Melissa was credited with discovering how to harvest honey and teaching humankind its use. The name has been used in the Western world since antiquity and remained consistently popular throughout the 20th century, particularly peaking in the 1970s and 1980s. Melissa's sweet, nature-derived meaning and pleasant, flowing sound have kept it a well-loved and enduring classic.
Melissa Around the World
Melissa is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 7+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Melissa
Famous People Named Melissa
- Melissa McCarthy — American actress and comedian
- Melissa Etheridge — American singer-songwriter
- Melissa Joan Hart — American actress known for Sabrina the Teenage Witch
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Sibling Name Ideas for Melissa
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Melissa mean?
Melissa is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Honey bee." Melissa derives from the Greek word "melissa," meaning "honey bee." In Greek mythology, the Melissae were nymphs associated with bees and honey, and in one myth, a nymph named Melissa was credited with discovering how to harvest honey and teaching humankind its use.
How do you pronounce Melissa?
Melissa is pronounced muh-LIS-uh. Common variations include Melisa, Malissa, Melyssa.
Is Melissa a girl name?
Yes, Melissa is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Mel, Missy, Lissa.
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