Parents (and some grandparents) may associate the name Melissa with their own childhoods; it was a top name back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. But the name itself is timeless and where it’s not as popular as the name Emily, the name Melissa carries a similar, wholesome vibe. This may be why Melissa continues to be chosen by parents seeking a sweet, classic name for their baby.

The name Melissa has been a top 1000 name since it arrived on the charts in the early 1900s. In 1967, Melissa reached the top 10, at 9th position, and stayed there until 1984. Melissa’s peak years for popularity were from 1977 to 1979 when it reached and maintained 2nd place. After 1984, Melissa dropped into the top 100s where it remained until 2004. Since then, the name Melissa has continued to decline in popularity and is currently sitting at 348th.

Name Variations

There are some variations of the name Melissa, including:

Malissa (Greek)Melisa (Greek)Melessa (Greek)Mélisse (French)Meliza (Greek)Mellisa (Greek)Melosa (Spanish)

Similar Names

Here are some names with a similar vibe to Melissa:

AlyssaAmandaAndreaAngelaCatherineChristineElizabethEmilyJenniferKellyKristenLeanneLesleyMichelleNicoleSarahStephanieTara

Other Greek names to consider:

AngelinaCasandraDaphneDemiIrisPenelopePhoebeKhloeLydiaLyraLoisMyaSophiaThaliaTheaZoe

Other names that start with M:

MaeMaeveMaggieMalloryMarlaMarleneMaryamMarianneMeganMelanieMelinaMonicaMoniqueMischaMilaMyla

Common Nicknames

Common nicknames for Melissa include:

Lis LisaLissaMelMellieMelisMissy

Suggested Sibling Names

Potential sibling names for Melissa could be: 

AbeAidenAnnieBeatrixCorbenDannyDotEliasFayeFelixGeorgiaHannahKatieKristaKyleZack

Famous People Named Melissa

Here’s a list of famous people who are also named Melissa:

Melissa Altro, a Canadian voiceover artistMelissa Benoist, an American actress, singer, dancer, and activistMelissa Etheridge, an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and activistMelissa Fumero, an American actressMelissa Gilbert, an American actress and television directorMelissa Hough, an American ballet dancerMelissa Joan Hart, an American actressMelissa Mantak, an American triathlete and triathlon coachMelissa Marquez, an American scientist specializing in sharksMelissa McBride, an American actressMelissa McCarthy, an American actress, comedian, writer, producer, and fashion designerMelissa Villasenor, an American actress, comedian, and singer

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