Kalyssa is a unique and enchanting feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is deeply rooted in ancient mythology and is derived from the Greek goddess Calypso. In Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey," Calypso is a powerful sea nymph who holds Odysseus captive on her island for seven years, delaying his journey home.
Despite its mythological origins, Kalyssa does not strictly adhere to the traditional spelling or pronunciation of Calypso. Instead, it has evolved into a distinct name with its own identity, often spelled with a 'y' instead of an 'i,' and sometimes pronounced differently depending on regional customs.
The earliest records of the name Kalyssa appear in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. It is believed to have been inspired by popular culture, such as books, movies, or music, which often drew from Greek mythology for themes and character names. However, it did not gain widespread popularity until the early 21st century.
Today, Kalyssa continues to be an uncommon yet captivating name chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and rich historical significance. It remains a charming option for those looking to give their daughter a distinctive moniker with deep roots in mythology.
The name Kalyssa has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. With only five births recorded each year in 1987 and 1988, it was relatively uncommon during that time.
However, starting from the late 1990s, there was a noticeable rise in the number of babies named Kalyssa. The peak of this trend occurred between 2000 and 2006, with a total of 32 to 55 births each year during that period.
From 2007 onwards, the popularity of the name began to decrease, but it remained somewhat stable, with an average of around 20 births per year until 2019. There was another peak in 2020 and 2021, with 15 and 13 births respectively, before dropping down to 7 births in 2022 and 2023.
In total, there have been 835 recorded births of Kalyssa in the United States since 1987. This data illustrates how the name has fluctuated in popularity over time, with periods of significant growth followed by stabilization or decrease. Despite these fluctuations, it remains a unique and distinctive name that has been given to hundreds of individuals across several decades.