Melissa: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced muh-LIS-uh · 3 syllables
Melissa means “bee, honey, or honeybee; servant of Jesus”, from Greek.
From Ancient Greek (melissa, “bee, honey, or honeybee”). In Ireland it is sometimes used as a feminine form of the Gaelic male name Maol Iosa (literally “servant of Jesus”).
- Meaning
- bee, honey, or honeybee; servant of Jesus
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- muh-LIS-uh
- US rank (2025)
- #419
- US babies a year
- about 795 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1970
- Nicknames
- Missy
How popular is Melissa?
Melissa was the #419 name in the US in 2025, given to 747 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 50% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1970.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #419 |
| England & Wales | #237 |
| Scotland | #471 |
| Northern Ireland | #281 |
| Ireland | #176 |
| France | #218 |
| Norway | #259 |
| Canada | #338 |
| Australia | #432 |
How old are people named Melissa?
Half of US adults named Melissa are older than 47; most are between 28 and 63. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Melissa
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Melissa have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Melissa
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Christina
- Nerissa
- Nicole
- Angela
- Monique
- Stacy
- Kirsten
- Andrea
- Tiffany
- Anthea
- Venessa
- Bridget
- Gina
- Jessica
- Cara
- Rebecca
On these lists
Questions about Melissa
What does the name Melissa mean?
Melissa means “bee, honey, or honeybee; servant of Jesus”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Melissa?
Melissa is pronounced muh-LIS-uh.
How popular is the name Melissa?
Melissa was the #419 name in the US in 2025, given to 747 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 50% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1970.
How old are people named Melissa?
Half of US adults named Melissa are older than 47. Most are between 28 and 63.