Millisa

Meaning & origin

Millisa is a rare spelling variant of Melissa, the Greek-derived name meaning 'bee'. First recorded in the United States in 1959, Millisa saw its peak usage in 1972, yet it has never entered the top 1,000 names, remaining an uncommon choice. The name's trajectory has been stable over the decades, never experiencing a sharp rise or fall. While Millisa shares its roots with the more popular Melissa, its unique spelling gives it a distinct identity. Parents drawn to this name might appreciate its connection to nature and mythology, as Melissa was a nymph in Greek mythology who discovered honey. Millisa offers a subtle variation on a classic, with the familiar nicknames Millie or Lisa.

Millisa is likely a phonetic or spelling variant of Melissa, a name derived from the Greek word melissa meaning 'bee'. Melissa has been used as a given name since ancient times, notably borne by a nymph in Greek mythology. The spelling Millisa emerged in the 20th century, possibly influenced by names like Millie or Lisa, and gained modest use in the United States starting in the late 1950s.