Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Mellissa since 1926
Babies named Mellissa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 143 |
| 1960s | 874 |
| 1970s | 1,921 |
| 1980s | 1,730 |
| 1990s | 704 |
| 2000s | 201 |
| 2010s | 42 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Mellissa is a variant spelling of Melissa, a name of Greek origin meaning 'bee'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1926 and experienced its peak popularity in 1979, during the 1970s. Since 1985, its usage has been in steady decline, and it has not appeared in the top 1,000 names in recent years. The name was most common in the 1970s, consistent with the popularity of the standard spelling Melissa at that time. Mellissa is a classic example of a name that rose and fell with a generational trend, now rarely given to newborns.
Mellissa is a variant spelling of Melissa, derived from the Greek melissa (μέλισσα), meaning 'honeybee'. In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who discovered and taught the use of honey. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 18th century, with the double-l spelling emerging as an American variant in the early 20th century.
Where Mellissa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Missy, Lissa, Mel
Sibling names for Mellissa
Names that share Mellissa's style, for a brother or sister.
