Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Alyssa
GirlEnglish, Germanic· “form of Alice; also alyssum flower”
- Meaning
- form of Alice; also alyssum flower
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- uh-LIS-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #453
- US babies 2025
- 680
- Best rank
- #11 (1998)
- Peak year
- 1999
Meaning and origin of Alyssa
Alyssa is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “form of Alice; also alyssum flower”.
Alyssa is usually treated as a variant of Alicia, itself a Latinized form of Alice, from the Germanic Adalheidis, meaning noble type. The name is also linked to the alyssum flower, whose name comes from Greek words suggesting a remedy against madness. Those two threads give Alyssa a mix of medieval nobility and garden charm. It became a popular choice in the United States during the later twentieth century, admired for its flowing three-syllable rhythm. Spellings include Alissa and Alysa, and Aly and Lyssa are possible nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Alissa.
Popularity over time
Alyssa first appears in US Social Security records in 1950. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 63 different years, starting in 1963. Its best national rank was #11 in 1998, and the most babies received it in 1999, when 14,036 were named Alyssa. In 2025, 680 babies were named Alyssa, and it ranked #453 nationally. That is 79% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,319 in 1950, #217 in 1980, #12 in 2000, #21 in 2010, and #453 in 2025. Of the 314,606 US girls named Alyssa since records began, 37% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 114,507 babies. Since 2010, 44,212 more have been named Alyssa.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Brianna, Sydney, Destiny, Haley, and Kaitlyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alyssa ranked highest in California, New Mexico, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #242 | 137 |
| New Mexico | #254 | 6 |
| Florida | #305 | 61 |
| Massachusetts | #335 | 17 |
| Texas | #339 | 101 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Alyssa is usually pronounced uh-LIS-uh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-sa”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Alissa.
Middle names for Alyssa
A few middle names that flow with Alyssa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alyssa
Similar names
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Lists that include Alyssa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alyssa mean?
Alyssa is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “form of Alice; also alyssum flower”.
What is the origin of the name Alyssa?
Alyssa has English, Germanic, and Greek roots. Alyssa is usually treated as a variant of Alicia, itself a Latinized form of Alice, from the Germanic Adalheidis, meaning noble type.
Is Alyssa a popular name?
Yes. Alyssa ranked #453 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Alyssa a boy or girl name?
Alyssa is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Alyssa?
Alyssa is usually pronounced uh-LIS-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings