Melissa as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Melissa

What is the meaning of the name Melissa ?

The baby name Melissa is a girl name 3 syllables long and is pronounced muh-LISS-uh.

Melissa is Greek in Origin.

Melissa is a feminine given name of Greek origin, meaning "honey bee". In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who discovered and taught the use of honey and the art of beekeeping. The name has been in use since the 18th century and has remained popular throughout the years. It was particularly popular in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s.

The name Melissa is pronounced meh-LISS-ah. It is a two-syllable name with the emphasis on the second syllable. The name is commonly shortened to Mel or Missy. Melissa is a popular name for baby girls and has been consistently ranked in the top 500 names in the United States since the 1950s.

The name Melissa is composed of two Greek words: "mel" meaning honey and "issa" meaning "most powerful" or "greatly gifted". The name has been used in various forms throughout history, including Melisseus, a king of Crete in Greek mythology, and Melissande, a character in medieval French literature. The name has also been used in various cultures, including Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Overall, Melissa is a timeless and classic name with a rich history and meaning.