"sweet as honey"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Melisa
Does Melisa flow with your last name?
A sweet Greek name meaning industrious honey bee
Greek
Turkish
Spanish
English
Classic
Gentle
Elegant
Traditional
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The Story of Melisa
Melisa is a single-'s' variant of Melissa, derived from the Greek word 'melissa' meaning honey bee. In Greek mythology, the Melissae were nymphs who discovered honey and were associated with the goddess Artemis. The honey bee held great significance in ancient Greece, representing industriousness, community, and the sweetness of life. This variant spelling is particularly common in Turkish and Spanish-speaking cultures.
Melissa was one of the most popular names in the English-speaking world from the 1960s through the 1980s. The single-'s' variant Melisa has been consistently popular in Turkey and Spain, where it represents the Americanized classic with a Mediterranean touch.
In ancient Greece, the honey bee was sacred and the Melissae were priestesses of Artemis/Demeter. In modern times, the name is beloved for its natural beauty and the universal appeal of the honey bee as a symbol of hard work and sweetness.
Historical Record
Melisa first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 19,044 babies have been named Melisa in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Melisa is past its peak , currently ranked #3,053 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Greek mythology, the Melissae were bee nymphs who fed honey to the infant Zeus
- Bees were so important in ancient Greece that honey was considered the food of the gods and was used in religious ceremonies
Melisa in Other Languages
Greek
Μελισα
French
Mélissa
Italian
Melissa
Spanish
Melisa
Turkish
Melisa
Popularity Over Time
#3,053
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1973
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Melisa
M
Melissa McCarthy
Actor
1970
Emmy and Academy Award-nominated American actress and comedian known for 'Bridesmaids,' 'Spy,' and 'Gilmore Girls'
M
Melissa Etheridge
Musician
1961
Grammy and Academy Award-winning American rock singer-songwriter known for 'Come to My Window'
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,053
- Total SSA Count
- 53
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Turkish Spanish English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mel
Lisa
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Melisa
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Melisa is also used as a boy name, ranked #39950.
View Melisa as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Melisa
What does the name Melisa mean?
"sweet as honey" (from Greek). Melisa is a single-'s' variant of Melissa, derived from the Greek word 'melissa' meaning honey bee. In Greek mythology, the Melissae were nymphs who discovered honey and were associated with the goddess Artemis. The honey bee held great significance in ancient Greece, representing industriousness, community, and the sweetness of life. This variant spelling is particularly common in Turkish and Spanish-speaking cultures.
What is the origin of the name Melisa?
Melisa has Greek, Turkish, Spanish, and English origins. In Greek, it means "sweet as honey".
Is Melisa a boy or girl name?
Melisa is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3053. As a boy name, it is ranked #39950. Melisa is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Melisa?
Melisa is currently ranked #3053 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Melisa?
Common nicknames for Melisa include Mel and Lisa.
What are good middle names for Melisa?
Popular middle name pairings include Melisa Ann, Melisa Grace, Melisa Rose, Melisa Marie, and Melisa Lynn.
What are good sibling names for Melisa?
Names that pair well with Melisa as siblings include Jessica, Stephanie, Christina, Michael, and David.
How many syllables does Melisa have?
Melisa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Melisa a common or rare name?
Melisa is an uncommon name, ranked #3053 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Melisa?
About the Name Melisa
Melisa is a girl name with Greek, Turkish, Spanish, and English origins . The name means "sweet as honey" in Greek .
Is Melisa a boy or girl name? Melisa is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,053 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #39,950. Melisa is more commonly used as a girl name.
Melisa is currently ranked #3,053 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Melisa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Melisa include Mel and Lisa. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Melisa include Melissa, Melina, Melinda, Melia . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis