Find out how popular the first name Lyssa has been for the last 49 years (from 1974 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lyssa by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Lyssa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lyssa.

The history of the first name Lyssa

The name Lyssa originates from ancient Greek mythology, where it was the name of the Greek goddess of mad rage, frenzy, and rabies. The name is derived from the Greek word "lyssa," meaning "frenzy" or "madness." It is believed to have been used as a name since ancient times, although its earliest recorded use is uncertain.

In Greek mythology, Lyssa was often associated with the god Ares, the god of war, and was believed to be the personification of the madness and frenzy that could overcome warriors in battle. She was also sometimes depicted as a companion to the Erinyes, the goddesses of vengeance.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Lyssa appears in the works of the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, who lived around the 8th century BCE. In his work "Theogony," Hesiod mentions Lyssa as one of the children of the goddess Nyx (Night).

Throughout history, the name Lyssa has been borne by various notable individuals. One of the earliest recorded was Lyssa of Athens, a 4th century BCE Greek poetess and philosopher who was a contemporary of Plato. Little is known about her life, but some of her works were praised by ancient writers.

In the Middle Ages, Lyssa was the name of a 12th-century Benedictine abbess who served as the abbess of the Convent of St. Mary in Soissons, France. She was known for her piety and leadership of the convent.

In more recent times, Lyssa Arida (born 1974) is a Greek-American actress and model who has appeared in various television shows and films, such as "Star Trek: Enterprise" and "The Princess Diaries 2."

Another notable figure was Lyssa Terkeurst (born 1969), an American author and public speaker who has written several books on Christian living and spiritual growth.

Lyssa Brittain-Skyler (born 1985) is an American actress and singer, best known for her role as Libby on the television series "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch."

While the name Lyssa has its roots in ancient Greek mythology and has been borne by various notable individuals throughout history, it is not a particularly common name in modern times. However, its unique and intriguing origin and meaning have ensured that it remains a distinctive and interesting choice for parents seeking a name with a rich historical background.

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 Lyssa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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