Melissa
m(e)-lissa,
mel(is)-sa
US Popularity:773
Origin:Greek
Meaning:Honeybee
In Greek mythology, Melissa is a princess of Crete who was changed into a bee after she learned how to collect honey. Her name came to mean “honeybee” in Greek. It was also the name of a nursemaid who took care of a young Zeus. The name has been used in the US since the 18th century and was especially popular in the late 1970s. The entertainment world is well represented by such namesakes as Melissa McCarthy and Melissa Joan Hart.
Melissa Name Popularity Data
The Bump Ranking
Overall:Melissa is currently #589 on The Bump
Girl:Melissa is currently #247 on The Bump Girl Names
U.S. Births
Overall:Melissa is currently #773 in U.S. births
Girl:Melissa is currently #277 in U.S. births
Yearly Ranking Change:
Year:
2022
#773
in 2022
- 8
from 2021
Sources
WordSense, Melissa
Behind the Name, Melissa, May 2020
Online Etymology Dictionary, Melissa, December 2018
Theoi Greek Mythology, Melisseus
IMDb, Melissa McCarthy(I)
IMDB, Melissa Joan Hart
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