Find out how popular the first name Mellisa has been for the last 44 years (from 1974 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mellisa by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Mellisa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mellisa.

The history of the first name Mellisa

The name Mellisa finds its origins in the ancient Greek language, derived from the word "melissa," which means "honey bee." This name has been associated with sweetness, diligence, and industriousness, much like the characteristics of these hardworking insects.

During the Classical era in ancient Greece, the name Mellisa was often used as a symbolic reference to the priestesses of the goddess Demeter, who was revered as the deity of agriculture and fertility. These priestesses were believed to have a close connection with nature and were tasked with performing rituals to ensure bountiful harvests.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mellisa can be found in the works of the ancient Greek poet Hesiod, who lived around the 8th century BCE. In his epic poem "Works and Days," he mentions a character named Mellisa, though little is known about her significance.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Mellisa. One such figure was Mellisa of Corinth (c. 500 BCE), a renowned Greek philosopher and mathematician who made significant contributions to the development of early geometric principles.

In the medieval period, the name Mellisa gained popularity among Christians, as it was associated with the Virgin Mary's role as the "Mother of God." One notable example is Saint Mellisa of Bari (c. 1200 - 1271), an Italian nun and mystic known for her devotion to the Virgin Mary and her acts of charity.

During the Renaissance, the name Mellisa was embraced by several artists and intellectuals. Mellisa Caravaggio (1571 - 1610), an Italian Baroque painter, was celebrated for her powerful and dramatic works, many of which depicted religious themes.

In more recent times, the name Mellisa has continued to be used, though with varying spellings. Mellisa Etheridge (born 1961) is an American singer-songwriter and activist renowned for her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and her advocacy for social and political causes.

These are just a few examples of the rich history and diverse individuals who have carried the name Mellisa throughout the centuries, each leaving their mark on the world in their own unique way.

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

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

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