Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Melissa is a name of Greek origin meaning 'bee'. It has evolved through various languages including Latin and Old French. Its traits are associated with sweetness and nurturing. There is no biblical relevance. The name gained popularity in the 20th century and is currently perceived as classic and feminine.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/məˈlɪsə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Melissa comes from the Greek word 'melissa', which means 'bee'. In ancient mythology, Melissa was a nymph who cared for the infant Zeus and was associated with honey and bees.
Meaning
bee
Language Evolution
Melissa (Greek), Melissa (Latin), Melissa (Old French)
Historical Usage
Melissa gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.
Variants & Derivatives
Mel, Meli, Lissa
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Melissa is viewed as a classic and feminine name, often associated with sweetness and gentleness, partly due to its meaning related to bees and honey.
Famous People
Melissa McCarthy, Melissa Joan Hart, Melissa Etheridge
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 34,179 peak births in 1979
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Rhode Island
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (10 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 10 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3480th of 7552 | 102 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 908th of 10718 | 1,268 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1378th of 16616 | 991 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7998th of 24088 | 129 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 861st of 9107 | 1,240 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 744th of 9204 | 1,693 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 140th of 12526 | 55,447 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5th of 19264 | 372,846 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 13th of 27321 | 259,421 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 95th of 35406 | 54,919 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 306th of 30306 | 12,954 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
32.58% 957th/2937 |
27.85% 970th/3483 |
27.91% 982nd/3518 |
26.68% 1079th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
42.25% 1557th/3685 |
32.13% 1438th/4475 |
26.03% 1352nd/5194 |
17.03% 1076th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
50.27% 3752nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
74.29% 1052nd/1416 |
68.53% 945th/1379 |
45.44% 1075th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
44.18% 683rd/1546 |
38.62% 601st/1556 |
38.21% 899th/2353 |
50.48% 781st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
6.42% 143rd/2227 |
6.26% 152nd/2430 |
3.79% 108th/2853 |
5.73% 159th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
0.24% 7th/2937 |
0.11% 4th/3483 |
0.14% 5th/3518 |
0.12% 5th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
0.41% 15th/3685 |
0.20% 9th/4475 |
0.37% 19th/5194 |
0.14% 9th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.97% 136th/4582 |
1.67% 86th/5164 |
1.63% 119th/7313 |
0.66% 49th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
10.99% 438th/3984 |
7.15% 321st/4487 |
4.71% 321st/6822 |
3.01% 189th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Rhode Island across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too rising for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3480th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 908th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1378th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7998th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23106th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 861st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 744th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 140th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 13th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 95th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 306th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.