Melissa

Meaning & origin

Melissa is a name of Greek origin that enjoyed a remarkable surge in American popularity during the latter half of the 20th century. It first appeared in the Social Security Administration's records in 1880, the earliest year of national data, but remained relatively uncommon for decades. The name gained steady traction through the mid-20th century, eventually reaching its zenith in 1979 when it ranked as the 7th most popular name for baby girls in the United States. That peak year marked the height of a trend that placed Melissa among the most highly favored names of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Since 1985, however, the name has been on a continuous downward trajectory, a fall in usage that reflects the gradual aging of its core demographic. Even so, Melissa remains a familiar presence, holding a rank of 419 in the most recent year of 2025, where it is given to approximately 1 in 2,152 baby girls. The name has historically seen its strongest concentrations in states like Nevada, Massachusetts, and California, suggesting regional pockets of enduring affection for the name. Despite its declining numbers, Melissa retains a classic charm rooted in its sweet meaning and mythological heritage, ensuring it stays recognizable across generations.

Melissa derives from the Greek μέλισσα (melissa), meaning "honeybee," which itself comes from μέλι (meli), "honey." In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who discovered honey and taught its use; the name was also used for priestesses of Demeter and Artemis. It appeared as a given name in English from the 18th century, influenced by pastoral poetry, and entered widespread use in the United States in the mid-20th century.