Melissa

1. Melissa name meaning and origin

The name Melissa originates from the Greek word "μέλισσα" (mélissa), which directly translates to "honey bee" or "bee." This etymology connects the name to ancient Greek culture where bees were highly regarded as industrious creatures and symbols of sweetness and fertility. In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who discovered and nursed the infant Zeus, feeding him honey when he was hidden from his father Cronos. She was later transformed into a bee by Zeus as a reward for her service.

Beyond its mythological associations, Melissa gained prominence as a given name during the revival of classical names in the Renaissance period. The name began to appear more frequently in English-speaking countries during the 18th century and saw significant popularity surges in the United States during the 1950s and again in the 1970s and 1980s. The name carries connotations of sweetness, diligence, and nurturing qualities, reflecting both its linguistic roots and mythological heritage.

References:

2. Melissa name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Melissa

United States

United Kingdom

Melissa is predominantly a feminine name with a rich heritage dating back to ancient Greek origins, meaning "honey bee." Despite not having specific ranking data available, the name has maintained consistent popularity in the United States and the United Kingdom over decades, experiencing notable peaks during the 1970s and 1980s in America.

While primarily used for girls, Melissa has occasionally been used as a masculine name in both countries, though this remains relatively uncommon. The name's enduring appeal can be attributed to its melodic quality and positive connotations, appearing in literature, music, and popular culture throughout the centuries.

3. Variations and nicknames of Melissa

The name Melissa traces its roots to ancient Greek origins, meaning 'honey bee' and has spread widely across various cultures, giving rise to numerous variations. In European languages, we find variants like Melisa (Spanish and Catalan), Mélissa (French), Melisse (Dutch), and Melitta (German). Slavic languages offer adaptations such as Milica (Serbian) and Melita (Croatian), while Melisande represents a medieval elaboration of the name. In Hebrew, the similar-sounding but etymologically distinct Malka shares melodic qualities with Melissa. The Greek origin of the name maintains its popularity in modern Greece, where Μέλισσα is still used commonly alongside diminutive forms like Melitsa.

Beyond formal variants, Melissa boasts a rich collection of affectionate nicknames and diminutives. The most common short forms include Mel, Melly, Lissa, and Missy. Family members and close friends might use more playful variations like Meli, Lissie, Missa, or Mellie. Regional preferences also influence nickname choices, with Melsie being more common in the United Kingdom, while Missie appears more frequently in southern United States. Some Melissas adopt the creative Mimi or Essa as personal adaptations of their name. The versatility of these nicknames allows individuals named Melissa to express different aspects of their personality throughout various life stages, from the youthful energy of 'Missy' to the more mature sophistication of 'Mel.'

4. Best name combinations with Melissa

Middle names that pair well with Melissa:

Melissa Rose
Melissa Grace
Melissa Claire
Melissa Jane
Melissa Elise
Melissa Sophia
Melissa Catherine
Melissa Victoria
Melissa Isabelle
Melissa Elizabeth
Melissa Juliette
Melissa Noelle
Melissa Camille
Melissa Renée
Melissa Celeste
Melissa Vivienne
Melissa Adeline
Melissa Genevieve
Melissa Evangeline
Melissa Josephine

Names that go well when Melissa is used as a middle name:

Sophia Melissa
Olivia Melissa
Emma Melissa
Charlotte Melissa
Amelia Melissa
Isabella Melissa
Ava Melissa
Gabriella Melissa
Eleanor Melissa
Scarlett Melissa
Victoria Melissa
Alexandra Melissa
Madeline Melissa
Penelope Melissa
Josephine Melissa
Natalia Melissa
Evangeline Melissa
Genevieve Melissa
Caroline Melissa
Katherine Melissa

5. Numerology of Melissa name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

5
The letters M(4) + E(5) + L(3) + I(9) + S(1) + S(1) + A(1) = 24 = 2+4 = 6
Your Destiny Number 6 indicates a nurturing and responsible nature. You likely excel in careers involving care, teaching, or counseling. In relationships, you're loyal and supportive, often putting others' needs before your own. You have a natural ability to create harmony in your environment and take responsibility seriously.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

1
Vowels E(5) + I(9) + A(1) = 15 = 1+5 = 6
With a Soul Urge Number 6, your deepest desire is to care for others and create stability. You find fulfillment in meaningful connections and building harmonious environments. You value family, loyalty, and service, seeking relationships where you can express your nurturing qualities.

Personality Number:

9
Consonants M(4) + L(3) + S(1) + S(1) = 9
Your Personality Number 9 projects compassion and idealism to the world. Others see you as humanitarian, wise, and possibly artistic. You appear selfless and globally minded, drawing people who appreciate your tolerant nature. This number suggests you present yourself as sophisticated and understanding in both professional and personal interactions.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Names similar to Melissa

Like Melissa ? What about:

Adelyn

Jocasta

Elena

Gideon

Gianna

Adalyn

Bellamy

Adeline

Genesis

Artemas

Elijah

Bonita

Desiree

Thaddeus

Cyrano

Carina

Gabriel

Elias

Errikos

Danielle

Common sibling names

Sisters

Agatha

Barbara

Abigail

Bellamy

Adalyn

Stephanie

Adeline

Madelynn

Genesis

Adelyn

Leonie

Gianna

Mariam

Addison

Elena

Talia

Helena

Danielle

Delaney

Eleni

Brothers

Benjamin

Gabriel

Dorian

Adrian

Theodor

Leonel

Addison

Elias

Nicholas

Damien

Bellamy

Nikolai

Alexis

Angelo

Theodore

Gideon

Dominic

Elijah

Matthias

Andreas

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Melissa

1. Melissa name meaning and origin

References:

2. Melissa name popularity

3. Variations and nicknames of Melissa

4. Best name combinations with Melissa

Middle names that pair well with Melissa:

Names that go well when Melissa is used as a middle name:

5. Numerology of Melissa name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

Personality Number:

6. Names similar to Melissa

Like Melissa ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Baby name lists including Melissa

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