All about the name

Melyssa

Female

« Melyssa is a unique Greek-derived name meaning 'bee,' associated with a mythical bee-nurturing nymph Melissa. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Melyssa is a unique and beautiful name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "melissa," which means "bee." This name has been associated with bees throughout history, as Melissa was also the name of a nymph in Greek mythology who cared for bees. The name Melyssa is believed to have originated during the Middle Ages when it was used by a few families in France. However, it did not become popular until the 20th century when it started being used more frequently as a given name. Today, Melyssa is still considered an uncommon name but is often chosen by parents who want their child to have a distinctive and meaningful moniker. One interesting fact about the name Melyssa is that it was used by the famous French author Marcel Proust in his novel "Remembrance of Things Past." He named one of his characters Melisande, which is a variation of Melyssa. This has contributed to the name's literary significance and helped to increase its popularity over time. In summary, Melyssa is a gorgeous and distinctive name with Greek roots that means "bee." It has historical ties to bees and mythology but did not become widely popular until the 20th century. Today, it remains an uncommon yet meaningful choice for parents looking for something special for their baby girl.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Melyssa since 1880

Total births
2,023
Total since 1880
Peak year
1989
121 births
in 2023
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-41%
vs previous 5 years