Melissa vs Theodore

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Melissa

Girl #377 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"honey bee"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Cultural Roots

English Greek American Italian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#377
Total SSA Count
825
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Mel, Lissy, Missy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Melissa →

Popularity Comparison

Melissa Rank #377
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 vs #377 for Melissa.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Melissa ___

  • Melissa Ann
  • Melissa Marie
  • Melissa Grace
  • Melissa Joy
  • Melissa Kate
  • Melissa Renee

Theodore ___

  • Theodore James
  • Theodore William
  • Theodore Alexander
  • Theodore John
  • Theodore Henry
  • Theodore Arthur

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Melissa

Jessica Jennifer Michelle Brian Kevin

If you choose Theodore

Olivia Charlotte Amelia Eleanor Oliver

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melissa or Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Melissa at #377 in the United States.

What do Melissa and Theodore mean?

Melissa means "honey bee" (Ancient Greek origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Melissa and Theodore boy or girl names?

Melissa is primarily a girl name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Melissa ← Full profile: Theodore Browse all baby names