Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Julissa
GirlSpanish, Latin· “elaboration of Julia”
- Meaning
- elaboration of Julia
- Origin
- Spanish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- joo-LIH-suh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,136
- US babies 2025
- 205
- Best rank
- #219 (1997)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Julissa
Julissa is a Spanish and Latin name that is usually said to mean “elaboration of Julia”.
Julissa is a modern elaboration of Julia, built by adding the graceful -issa ending also found in Melissa and Marissa. Julia goes back to the Julii, an old Roman family whose most famous member was Julius Caesar; the family name's origin is not certain, though ancient writers tied it to legend. Julissa became especially popular among Spanish-speaking families in the Americas before spreading more widely in the United States. It keeps the classic backbone of Julia while sounding a little more lyrical and contemporary. Julie, Jules and Lissa are all natural nicknames, and the name works smoothly in both English and Spanish.
Popularity over time
Julissa first appears in US Social Security records in 1964. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 42 different years, starting in 1969. Its best national rank was #219 in 1997, and the most babies received it in 2006, when 1,530 were named Julissa. In 2025, 205 babies were named Julissa, and it ranked #1,136 nationally. That is 64% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,354 in 1980, #369 in 2000, #367 in 2010, and #1,136 in 2025. Of the 25,888 US girls named Julissa since records began, 41% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 6,092 babies. Since 2010, 7,744 more have been named Julissa.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jazmine, Fatima, Savanna, Joselyn, and Makenna.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Julissa ranked highest in California, Texas, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #501 | 67 |
| Texas | #751 | 40 |
| Illinois | #768 | 12 |
| Arizona | #860 | 7 |
| Maryland | #905 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Julissa is usually pronounced joo-LIH-suh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with J and ends in “-sa”.
Middle names for Julissa
A few middle names that flow with Julissa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Julissa
Similar names
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Lists that include Julissa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Julissa mean?
Julissa is a Spanish and Latin name that is usually said to mean “elaboration of Julia”.
What is the origin of the name Julissa?
Julissa has Spanish and Latin roots. Julissa is a modern elaboration of Julia, built by adding the graceful -issa ending also found in Melissa and Marissa.
Is Julissa a popular name?
Not especially. Julissa ranked #1,136 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Julissa a boy or girl name?
Julissa is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Julissa?
Julissa is usually pronounced joo-LIH-suh. 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