Find out how popular the first name Kelissa has been for the last 34 years (from 1989 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kelissa by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Kelissa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kelissa.

The history of the first name Kelissa

The name Kelissa is of Greek origin, derived from the word "kellis," which means "convent" or "monastery." Its roots can be traced back to the Byzantine era, around the 5th to 6th century CE, when it was likely used as a name for women associated with religious communities or those who dedicated their lives to spiritual pursuits.

Kelissa has been recorded in various ancient texts and manuscripts from the Byzantine period, though its usage was relatively scarce compared to other Greek names of the time. One of the earliest known references to the name can be found in a 6th-century Byzantine document, where a woman named Kelissa is mentioned as a member of a monastic order.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Kelissa continued to be used sporadically within Greek-speaking regions, particularly in areas with strong Orthodox Christian traditions. It experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Renaissance period, when interest in classical Greek culture and language revived.

One notable figure with the name Kelissa was a Greek philosopher and scholar who lived in the 15th century. Kelissa Philomathes was known for her extensive knowledge of ancient Greek literature and her contributions to the intellectual discourse of her time. Born in 1420 in Constantinople, she was highly regarded for her erudition and her passion for learning.

Another notable Kelissa was a Byzantine noblewoman and philanthropist who lived in the 11th century. Kelissa Doukas was a member of the influential Doukas family and was renowned for her charitable works, supporting various religious institutions and supporting the poor.

In the 17th century, a Greek writer and poet named Kelissa Alexandrou gained recognition for her lyrical works, which often explored themes of love, nature, and spirituality. She was born in 1633 on the island of Crete and is considered one of the earliest female poets of modern Greek literature.

Kelissa Theodosiou was a Greek artist and iconographer who lived in the late 18th century. She was renowned for her skilled and intricate religious iconography, which adorned numerous churches and monasteries throughout Greece.

A more recent figure with the name Kelissa was Kelissa Papadopoulou, a Greek archaeologist and academic who made significant contributions to the study of ancient Greek ceramics. Born in 1920, she spent much of her career excavating and researching various archaeological sites in Greece.

Throughout its history, the name Kelissa has maintained a strong connection to its Greek roots and religious associations, often being bestowed upon women with ties to the Orthodox faith or those dedicated to scholarly or artistic pursuits.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kelissa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kelissa, please contact us.

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