Girl · 934th of 19,264
Mellisa
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
4,575
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1979
Peak Popularity Year
221
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Mellisa stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Mellisa is of Greek origin, meaning 'bee', reflecting traits of sweetness and industriousness. The name has evolved through forms like Melissa and Melisa. While it gained popularity in the late 20th century, it remains a friendly and approachable choice today. The name has no direct biblical relevance but is associated with notable figures.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/məˈlɪsə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Mellisa is derived from the Greek word 'melissa', which means 'bee'. In ancient cultures, bees were often associated with sweetness and industriousness.
Meaning
bee
Language Evolution
Melissa, Mellisa, Melisa
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.
Variants & Derivatives
Melisa, Melyssa, Mela
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Mellisa is perceived as a friendly and approachable name, often associated with kindness and warmth.
Famous People
Melissa McCarthy, Melissa Joan Hart, Melissa Etheridge
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 221 peak births in 1979
Geographic Spread
Popular across 30 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 10 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 5 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4052nd of 12526 | 174 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 934th of 19264 | 2,201 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1326th of 27321 | 1,857 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6127th of 35406 | 316 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 19658th of 30306 | 27 |