Find out how popular the first name Nelissa has been for the last 39 years (from 1975 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nelissa by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Nelissa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nelissa.

The history of the first name Nelissa

The name Nelissa has its origins in ancient Greek culture, with roots dating back to the 5th century BCE. It is derived from the Greek word "nelos," meaning "stream" or "brook," and is believed to have been initially used as a feminine form of the masculine name Nelos.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Nelissa can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who mentions a woman by this name in his work "The Republic." However, it is uncertain whether this was a real person or a fictional character.

In the Byzantine era, around the 6th century CE, there are records of a saint named Nelissa of Anazarbus, who is venerated as a martyr in the Eastern Orthodox Church. She was said to have been tortured and executed for her Christian beliefs during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

During the Medieval period, the name Nelissa was occasionally used in various parts of Europe, but it was not particularly common. One notable historical figure was Nelissa de Lusignan, a Cypriot noblewoman who lived in the 13th century and was related to the ruling Lusignan dynasty.

In the Renaissance era, a woman named Nelissa Carafa was a prominent figure in Italian literature and culture. She was a poet and patron of the arts, and her salon in Naples was frequented by many influential writers and artists of the time, including Torquato Tasso and Giambattista Marino.

Another notable figure was Nelissa de Saulx, a French noblewoman who lived in the 16th century and was known for her philanthropic work and patronage of the arts. She founded several charitable institutions and was a supporter of the Jesuit order.

In more recent times, the name Nelissa has been relatively uncommon, but there have been a few notable individuals who have borne this name, such as Nelissa Goss, an American actress and model who appeared in various television shows and films in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Overall, the name Nelissa has a rich history and cultural significance, with roots in ancient Greek language and literature, as well as connections to religious and noble figures throughout various periods of European history.

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

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

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