Melyssa

Meaning & origin

The name Melyssa first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1965, reaching its peak popularity in 1989. Since then, its use has steadily declined, reflecting a broader shift away from the -issa suffix names that dominated the 1980s. Although it has not charted in the top 1000 in recent decades, its variant spelling offers a distinctive alternative to the classic Melissa. The name's association with Greek mythology and the honey bee gives it a gentle, natural feel, but its modern spelling ensures it stands apart from more traditional forms.

Melyssa is a variant spelling of Melissa, which derives from the Greek word μέλισσα (melissa), meaning 'honey bee.' In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who discovered beekeeping and nursed the infant Zeus with honey. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 18th century, though the spelling Melyssa emerged later, particularly in the United States during the mid-20th century as part of a trend for inventive spellings.