Melissa is a feminine given name of Greek origin. The name Melissa comes from the Greek word "melissa," which means "honey bee." According to Greek mythology, Melissa was the name of a nymph who discovered honey and taught humans how to gather it. As such, the name Melissa has been associated with sweetness, charm, and beauty since ancient times.
The use of the name Melissa can be traced back to classical Greek literature, where it appears in works by authors such as Sappho and Euripides. In the modern era, Melissa gained popularity as a given name during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in English-speaking countries. Today, Melissa remains a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet unique feminine name with a strong historical and cultural heritage.
Some notable individuals named Melissa include American actress Melissa Gilbert, Australian singer-songwriter Melissa Ferrick, and British author Melissa Lee-Houghton. Despite its ancient origins, the name Melissa continues to be embraced by people around the world as a timeless and beautiful choice for a girl's name.
The name Melissa has a rich history of popularity in the United States, with its first significant appearances in the late 19th century. Between 1880 and 1891, the number of births named Melissa fluctuated between 30 and 58 annually. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that Melissa truly began to gain traction as a popular name.
In 1947, there were 319 births with the name Melissa, marking the beginning of a steady increase in its popularity over the next few decades. By 1965, this number had grown to 10,565, and by 1970, it reached an all-time high of 23,733 births.
The peak years for the name Melissa were from 1967 to 1978, during which time it consistently ranked in the top 100 most popular names for girls. However, as with many names that gain immense popularity, Melissa began to decline in usage after this period.
Between 1979 and 2022, the number of births named Melissa decreased significantly, falling from a high of 34,050 in 1979 to just 742 in 2023. Despite this decline, Melissa remains a name with historical significance, having been given to over 758,550 babies in the United States since records began.
In conclusion, while Melissa was once a highly popular name in the United States, its usage has declined significantly in recent years. However, its rich history and past popularity make it a name that continues to hold meaning for many families today.