Mallissa

Meaning & origin

Mallissa is a respelling of Melissa, a name of Greek origin meaning 'bee'. While the root name Melissa has been consistently popular since the mid-20th century, the variant Mallissa has never broken into the top 1000. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1924, with a peak in 1973, which likely reflects the broader trend of Melissa's popularity in the 1970s. Since then, its usage has remained rare and stable, with no significant rise or decline. The name is almost exclusively given to girls. Because Mallissa is uncommon, it does not have strong regional associations; its highest usage is distributed sparsely across states. For parents seeking a familiar yet distinctive alternative to Melissa, Mallissa offers a phonetic twist while maintaining a classic feel.

Mallissa is likely a modern spelling variant of Melissa, which derives from the Greek word μέλισσα (melissa) meaning 'bee'. The name Melissa has been used in English-speaking countries since the 18th century, but the specific form Mallissa appears to be a later, less common respelling that gained some usage in the mid-20th century, peaking in 1973.