Holding steady.
Popularity of Melessa since 1954
Babies named Melessa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 34 |
| 1960s | 152 |
| 1970s | 196 |
| 1980s | 99 |
| 1990s | 21 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Melessa is a rare, modern spelling of Melissa, a name with deep Greek roots. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1954 and peaked in popularity in 1976, when it had a rate of 74 occurrences per million births. Since then, its use has remained very low and stable, never entering the top 1000. While Melissa has been a classic choice for decades, Melessa offers a distinctive twist for parents seeking a familiar sound with a unique spelling. The name has no strong regional concentration, appearing sparingly across the country.
Melessa is a variant spelling of Melissa, a name derived from the Greek word melissa (μέλισσα), meaning 'honey bee.' In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who discovered honey and taught its use to humans. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 18th century, and Melessa emerged as a less common alternative spelling, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mel, Lissa, Missy
Sibling names for Melessa
Names that share Melessa's style, for a brother or sister.
