The name Lissa is a diminutive form of the feminine name Elizabeth, which has its roots in the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning "God is my oath" or "God is abundance." The name Elizabeth itself is derived from the Hebrew elements "El" meaning "God" and "shava" meaning "oath" or "abundance."

Lissa gained popularity as a shortened version of Elizabeth during the Middle Ages in various European countries, particularly in England, France, and Germany. It was often used as a nickname or diminutive form to distinguish between multiple individuals named Elizabeth.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Lissa can be found in the 13th-century English text, "The Owl and the Nightingale," where it appears as a character name. In the 14th century, Lissa was also mentioned in the Italian literary work "The Decameron" by Giovanni Boccaccio.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lissa. One of the earliest examples is Lissa de Gattilusio (c. 1350-1397), a Byzantine princess who was the daughter of Francesco I Gattilusio, the Lord of Lesbos. Another prominent figure was Lissa de Almeria (c. 1370-1435), a Spanish noblewoman and philanthropist who founded several religious institutions in Almeria, Spain.

In the 16th century, Lissa Strozzi (1528-1591) was an Italian Renaissance poet and writer who contributed to the development of the madrigal form. During the 17th century, Lissa Moreau (1610-1679) was a French playwright and author known for her tragedies and comedies.

A more recent historical figure was Lissa Skene (1865-1952), a Scottish artist and painter who was renowned for her landscape and portrait works, many of which are displayed in the National Galleries of Scotland.

These examples showcase the rich history and diverse cultural backgrounds associated with the name Lissa, which has been used across various regions and time periods, from medieval Europe to the Renaissance and beyond.