Melissa
Melissa first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1979, when 34,050 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 747.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Melissa popular?
Declining Melissa is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1979 peak.
| 2020s | 4,863 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 14,272 | |
| 2000s | 32,625 | |
| 1990s | 89,990 | |
| 1980s | 217,922 | |
| 1970s | 253,267 | |
| 1960s | 119,202 | |
| 1950s | 22,293 | |
| 1940s | 2,837 | |
| 1930s | 666 | |
| 1920s | 526 | |
| 1910s | 516 | |
| 1900s | 323 | |
| 1890s | 399 | |
| 1880s | 427 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Melissa mean?
Melissa is Greek for “honeybee,” from meli, “honey.” In Greek myth, Melissa was a nymph credited with discovering honey — giving the name a sweet, industrious feel.
Nicknames for Melissa
- Mel
- Missy
- Lissa
Variants & spellings
- Melisa
- Malissa
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Melissa a boy or a girl name?
Melissa is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Melissa a popular name right now?
Melissa is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1979 peak.
How popular is the name Melissa?
In 2025, Melissa ranked #420 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Melissa most popular?
Melissa was most popular in 1979, when about 34,050 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Melissa?
Common nicknames for Melissa include Mel, Missy, Lissa.