Melissa
Melissa is a girl name of Greek origin, meaning “Honey bee”.
| Meaning | Honey bee |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Greek |
| Written as | Μέλισσα |
| Pronunciation | meh-LISS-uh |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United States, Greece, United Kingdom, Worldwide |
Meaning and origin of Melissa
Melissa is the ordinary Greek word for a honey bee. In Greek myth Melissa is a nymph who fed the infant Zeus with honey, and the title melissai was given to priestesses of certain goddesses. Italian poets of the Renaissance used it for a kind sorceress in Ariosto's Orlando Furioso, and from there it reached English. It was hugely popular in America in the 1970s and 1980s. Lemon balm also carries the botanical name Melissa.
Is Melissa a religious name?
Melissa comes from Greek myth and language rather than the Bible, and is used by families of any faith or none.
How popular is Melissa?
Among the most popular girls' names in 1970s and 1980s America; still common, with fewer babies given it today.
Gifts with the name Melissa
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Spellings and variants of Melissa
Names similar to Melissa
More girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Melissa mean?
Melissa means 'Honey bee'. It is of Greek origin.
Does Melissa have a religious meaning?
Melissa comes from Greek myth and language rather than the Bible, and is used by families of any faith or none.
How do you pronounce Melissa?
Melissa is pronounced meh-LISS-uh.
Is Melissa a boy or girl name?
Melissa is usually a girl name.