The name Alysa is a variant of the name Alicia, which has its origins in the Germanic language. The name Alicia is derived from the Old German name Adaliz, which means "noble kind." The name Alysa likely emerged as a diminutive or pet form of Alicia.

Alicia and its variants, including Alysa, were popular names in several European countries during the Middle Ages. The name Alicia is mentioned in several literary works from that time period, including the works of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri and the English writer Geoffrey Chaucer.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alysa can be found in the records of the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century. There is a record of an Alysa de Condet, who was a noblewoman and landowner in Normandy during that time.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Alysa. One of the earliest was Alysa de Montfort, a 13th-century French noblewoman and crusader who participated in the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars in southern France.

Another notable Alysa was Alysa de Lusignan, a 13th-century Cypriot princess and the daughter of King Hugh I of Cyprus. She was married to King Henry I of Cyprus and played an important role in the politics of the Kingdom of Cyprus during her lifetime.

In the 15th century, there was an Alysa de Mowbray, an English noblewoman and the daughter of Thomas Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk. She was known for her involvement in the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars fought between the House of Lancaster and the House of York over the English throne.

In the 16th century, there was an Alysa de Vere, an English noblewoman and the daughter of John de Vere, 16th Earl of Oxford. She was a prominent figure at the court of Queen Elizabeth I and was known for her literary talents and patronage of the arts.

In more recent times, one of the most notable individuals named Alysa was Alysa Milano, an American actress born in 1972. She is best known for her roles in the television series "Who's the Boss?" and "Charmed," as well as her activism and advocacy work.