Holding steady.
Popularity of Melisssa since 1967
Babies named Melisssa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 45 |
| 1980s | 72 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Melisssa is a modern variant spelling of Melissa, a name first recorded in the United States in 1967. It reached its peak popularity in 1981, likely riding the wave of the Melissa trend that characterized the 1970s and 1980s. Although it never consistently ranked among the top names nationally, its trajectory has remained stable since the 1980s. The name did not rank in the latest year, 2025, suggesting it has become a rare choice. The variant spelling with three s's may have been influenced by the desire for uniqueness, but it remains a clear derivative of the well-established Melissa.
Melisssa appears as a variant spelling of Melissa, a name of Greek origin derived from "melissa" (bee). The name was used in Greek mythology for a nymph who discovered honey. It gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, with the Melisssa spelling emerging later as a modern variation.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mel, Lissa
Sibling names for Melisssa
Names that share Melisssa's style, for a brother or sister.
