Home Name Meanings Melissa

Melissa Name Meaning, Origin & History

Name Meaning & Origin

Melissa

🔊 muh-LIS-uh  /məˈlɪsə/

"Honey bee"

Greek Origin Christianity Predominantly Female 📈 Peak 1979 👥 761,881 in US Biblical
📖
Meaning
Honey bee
🌍
Origin
Greek
👥
US Bearers
761,881
Life Path
Number 6

📖 What Does Melissa Mean?

In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who protected bees and beekeeping. In the Bible, there is a Hebrew word for honey bee that is melis (מֶלִיצ). Melissa is derived from the Greek word melissa, meaning 'honey bee'.

🌐 From Wikipedia Source ↗

Melissa is a feminine given name. The name comes from the Greek word μέλισσα (mélissa), "bee", which in turn comes from μέλι (meli), "honey". In Hittite, melit signifies "honey". Melissa is a common variant form, with others being Malissa, Melesa, Melessa, Meliza, Mellisa, Melosa, and Molissa.…

Root Element
Melissa
Core Meaning
"Honey bee"
Language
English, Greek, Hebrew
Themes
Honey · Grace · Sweetness · Nature

🌐 Melissa in Different Languages

🇬🇧 English
Melissa
honey bee, sweet, beloved

The name Melissa originates from the Greek word 'melissa', meaning honey bee. It symbolizes sweetness, industriousness, and endearment. Although not directly mentioned in the Bible, the name's etymolo…

Personality of Melissa

Emotional Traits

Kind Faithful Courageous

Hidden Personality

L = Loyal
F = Faithful

🍀 Lucky Attributes

📅
Lucky Day
Friday
🔢
Lucky Number
13
💎
Lucky Stone
Carnelian
🌟
Life Path
6

Lucky Colors

Yellow
Gold

Numerology: People with a life path number 6 are loving, caring, and nurturing, with a strong desire for security and stability.

🔢 Numerology of Melissa

M 4
E 5
L 3
I 9
S 1
S 1
A 1
SUM 6
6
Life Path
Nurturing & Responsibility
6
Soul Urge
Nurturing & Responsibility
9
Personality
Compassion & Idealism

Life Path 6 — Nurturing & Responsibility: Compassionate, family-oriented, and generous.

🕊️ Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural Impact

The name Melissa has ancient roots and carries the symbolism of hard work, sweetness, and creativity. It was popular in ancient Greece, and due to its association with honey bees, it was a name associated with poets, writers, and artists. In the Middle Ages, Melissa was a common given name and was cherished for its unique Greek origin and rich cultural heritage. Today, the name Melissa continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a name with a strong cultural background and a unique meaning.

Spiritual Significance

In Christianity, the name Melissa holds a deeper spiritual significance as it is derived from the Greek word melissa, which means 'honey bee.' In Bible scripture, honeybees are often used as symbols of industriousness, hard work, and the sweetness of the Word of God. Melissa, as a name, is therefore a reminder of the importance of hard work, creativity, and the sweetness of God's Word in our daily lives. Additionally, the name Melissa may be seen as a reflection of the virtues of humility, kindness, and compassion, as bees are known for their selfless labor and contribution to the ecosystem.

Gender Distribution

♂ Male0%
♀ Female100%

Based on 761,881 US Social Security records

📈 US Popularity

Total US bearers 761,881
Peak year 1979 (34,179)
First recorded 1880
Last recorded 2024
Gender Predominantly Female
Full US statistics →

🗺️ Global Popularity

Overall Popularity Score 50/100
🇺🇸 United States
40%
🌍 United Kingdom
42%
🌍 Poland
44%

Historical Journey

🌱
Ancient Roots

Root element "Melissa" emerges in Greek tradition, carrying the core meaning "Honey bee".

📜
Classical Period

Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.

⚔️
Medieval Period

Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.

🌊
Modern Adoption

Standardized in its current form, established across English-speaking and Muslim communities.

📈
Today (2026)

~761,881 people named Melissa in the US. Peaked in 1979 with 34,179 recorded uses.

🏛️
Ancient Greece

Historical records show that Melissa was a name given to the goddess of bees in Greek mythology. The name Melissa carried significant spiritual weight in that era.

Modern Usage

The name Melissa remains relevant in modern Christian society, representing a bridge between traditional Biblical values and contemporary life. It is widely discussed on digital platforms and continues to be a popular choice for families seeking meaningful Christian names.

Famous People Named Melissa

M
Melissa McCarthy
M
Melissa Benoist

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Melissa mean?

Melissa means "Honey bee" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.

Is Melissa a good Christian name?

Yes, Melissa is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.

What is the origin of the name Melissa?

Melissa has Greek origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.

What is the numerology number for Melissa?

The Life Path number for Melissa is 6, associated with Nurturing & Responsibility. Soul Urge: 6. Personality: 9.

Is Melissa a boy or girl name?

Melissa is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.

How many people are named Melissa in the US?

Approximately 761,881 people in the United States are named Melissa. The name peaked in 1979 with 34,179 recorded uses.

🔗 Related & Similar Names

Related Names

Leah Melisande Melitta

Similar Sounding

Melinda Melanie Melissa

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