Alyssa

Meaning & origin

Alyssa first entered U.S. birth records in 1950, but its popularity surged dramatically in the late 20th century, reaching a peak rank in 1999 when it was among the most favored names for girls. Since then, its use has steadily declined, falling to rank 453 in 2025 with a frequency of 1 in 2,364 births, reflecting a typical pattern for names that had a strong generational spike. The name has been most common in New Mexico, California, and Massachusetts, suggesting broad appeal with regional variation. Alyssa's Greek roots tie it to both intellectual qualities and the sweet alyssum flower, giving it a double etymology that parents find appealing. While it remains a familiar choice, its trajectory since 1999 indicates a move toward less frequent use, similar to other names that peaked in the 1990s.

Alyssa likely originates from the Greek name Alyssa (also Alissa), which is a variant of the Greek word 'alyssa' meaning 'the logical one' or 'the rational one.' Alternatively, it may be linked to the flower alyssum, from Greek 'a' (without) and 'lyssa' (madness), reflecting the plant's reputed calming properties. The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the 20th century, peaking in the 1990s.