Holding steady.
Popularity of Nelissa since 1974
Babies named Nelissa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 33 |
| 1980s | 63 |
| 1990s | 39 |
| 2000s | 29 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Nelissa is a rare modern invention, first recorded in 1974, that never achieved widespread popularity. Its peak year was 1987, yet even then it remained outside the top 1000, with no more than a handful of annual births. The name has a stable trajectory, reflecting a small but persistent niche. Its construction, blending the familiar 'Nell' with the 'issa' ending popular in names like Melissa and Alyssa, gives it a melodic quality. Despite its obscurity, Nelissa embodies the late 20th-century trend of creating distinct yet approachable names. Without top states or famous bearers, its appeal lies in its uniqueness.
Nelissa is a modern coinage, likely formed by blending elements of existing names. The first part may derive from 'Nell', a diminutive of Eleanor or Helen, while the second echoes 'Lissa', a short form of Melissa or Alyssa. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1974, reflecting a trend toward invented names with familiar, pleasing sounds. The name saw modest use during the 1980s, peaking in 1987, but has remained infrequent since.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Neli, Lissa, Nel
Sibling names for Nelissa
Names that share Nelissa's style, for a brother or sister.
