Melissa
Melissa: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /məˈlɪsə/
Meaning and origin of Melissa
- A female given name from Ancient Greek, popular in the latter half of the 20th century.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek μέλισσα (mélissa, “bee, honey, or honeybee”). In Ireland it is sometimes used as a feminine form of the Gaelic male name Maol Íosa (literally “servant of Jesus”).
How popular is Melissa?
Since 1880, 760,128 girls and 2,495 boys in the U.S. have been named Melissa (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2 in 1977. Its highest rank for boys was #747 in 1980. In 2025 it ranked #420 for girls, with 747 babies given the name.
Names similar to Melissa
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Greek girl names
Sibling name ideas for Melissa
Sister and brother names that share Melissa's Greek roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Melissa FAQ
What does the name Melissa mean?
A female given name from Ancient Greek, popular in the latter half of the 20th century. From Ancient Greek μέλισσα (mélissa, “bee, honey, or honeybee”). In Ireland it is sometimes used as a feminine form of the Gaelic male name Maol Íosa (literally “servant of Jesus”).
What is the origin of the name Melissa?
Melissa is listed as a name of Greek origin.
How popular is the name Melissa?
Since 1880, 760,128 girls and 2,495 boys in the U.S. have been named Melissa (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #2 in 1977. Its highest rank for boys was #747 in 1980. In 2025 it ranked #420 for girls, with 747 babies given the name.
Is Melissa a boy or girl name?
Melissa is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 760,128 girls and 2,495 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.