Baby Names Melissa Name Meaning By Shannon Day Shannon Day Shannon Day is a freelance writer specializing in parenting, lifestyle, and women's humor. She has been published in several online parenting and lifestyle sites as well as in print. Shannon is also the co-author of Martinis & Motherhood: Tales of Wonder, Woe & WTF?! Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 17, 2022 Fact checked by Aaron Johnson Fact checked by Aaron Johnson Aaron Johnson is a fact checker and expert on qualitative research design and methodology. Learn about our editorial process Print Mikolette / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents How Popular is the Name Melissa? Name Variations Similar Names Common Nicknames Suggested Sibling Names Famous People Named Melissa The name Melissa derives from the Greek word mélissa, meaning "bee," which was taken from the word meli, meaning "honey." It is, therefore, no surprise to learn that the name Melissa means "honeybee." Parents (and some grandparents) may associate the name Melissa with their own childhoods; it was a top name back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. But the name itself is timeless and where it's not as popular as the name Emily, the name Melissa carries a similar, wholesome vibe. This may be why Melissa continues to be chosen by parents seeking a sweet, classic name for their baby. Origin: GreekMeaning: Melissa means "honeybee."Gender: The name Melissa is commonly given as a girl's namePronunciation: Mel-ih-sah Although many baby names are separated by gender, Verywell Family believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best. How Popular is the Name Melissa? The name Melissa has been a top 1000 name since it arrived on the charts in the early 1900s. In 1967, Melissa reached the top 10, at 9th position, and stayed there until 1984. Melissa's peak years for popularity were from 1977 to 1979 when it reached and maintained 2nd place. After 1984, Melissa dropped into the top 100s where it remained until 2004. Since then, the name Melissa has continued to decline in popularity and is currently sitting at 348th. Name Variations There are some variations of the name Melissa, including: Malissa (Greek)Melisa (Greek)Melessa (Greek)Mélisse (French)Meliza (Greek)Mellisa (Greek)Melosa (Spanish) Similar Names Here are some names with a similar vibe to Melissa: AlyssaAmandaAndreaAngelaCatherineChristineElizabethEmilyJenniferKellyKristenLeanneLesleyMichelleNicoleSarahStephanieTara Other Greek names to consider: AngelinaCasandraDaphneDemiIrisPenelopePhoebeKhloeLydiaLyraLoisMyaSophiaThaliaTheaZoe Other names that start with M: MaeMaeveMaggieMalloryMarlaMarleneMaryamMarianneMeganMelanieMelinaMonicaMoniqueMischaMilaMyla 50 Literature Baby Names Common Nicknames Common nicknames for Melissa include: Lis LisaLissaMelMellieMelisMissy Suggested Sibling Names Potential sibling names for Melissa could be: AbeAidenAnnieBeatrixCorbenDannyDotEliasFayeFelixGeorgiaHannahKatieKristaKyleZack Famous People Named Melissa Here’s a list of famous people who are also named Melissa: Melissa Altro, a Canadian voiceover artistMelissa Benoist, an American actress, singer, dancer, and activistMelissa Etheridge, an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and activistMelissa Fumero, an American actressMelissa Gilbert, an American actress and television directorMelissa Hough, an American ballet dancerMelissa Joan Hart, an American actressMelissa Mantak, an American triathlete and triathlon coachMelissa Marquez, an American scientist specializing in sharksMelissa McBride, an American actressMelissa McCarthy, an American actress, comedian, writer, producer, and fashion designerMelissa Villasenor, an American actress, comedian, and singer Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options: Top 1,000 Baby Girl Names in the U.S. 100 Greek Baby Names 50 Mythological Baby Names 2 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Hanks P, Hardcastle K, Hodges F. A Dictionary of First Names. Oxford University Press; 2016. Social Security Administration. Get Ready for Baby: Popularity of a Name. Updated 2020. By Shannon Day Shannon Day is a freelance writer specializing in parenting, lifestyle, and women's humor. She has been published in several online parenting and lifestyle sites as well as in print. Shannon is also the co-author of Martinis & Motherhood: Tales of Wonder, Woe & WTF?! See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit