Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Melisa
GirlGreek, Spanish· “honeybee”
- Meaning
- honeybee
- Origin
- Greek, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- muh-LEE-suh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,950
- US babies 2025
- 57
- Best rank
- #342 (1973)
- Peak year
- 1979
Meaning and origin of Melisa
Melisa is a Greek and Spanish name that means “honeybee”.
In Greek, melissa means honeybee, and Melisa is a streamlined spelling of that ancient word. Bees were admired in the classical world as symbols of industry and sweetness, and in Greek myth Melissa appears as a nymph associated with honey and the care of the infant Zeus. The single-s spelling is standard in Spanish and Turkish, where the name has been popular in its own right, and it is used across many other countries as well. The name pairs a gentle sound with a clear, pleasant meaning. Mel, Lisa and Lissie are all easy short forms, and the spelling signals a quietly international flavor.
Popularity over time
Melisa first appears in US Social Security records in 1948. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 43 different years, starting in 1959. Its best national rank was #342 in 1973, and the most babies received it in 1979, when 661 were named Melisa. In 2025, 57 babies were named Melisa, and it ranked #2,950 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #5,098 in 1950, #405 in 1980, #998 in 2000, #1,655 in 2010, and #2,950 in 2025. Of the 19,111 US girls named Melisa since records began, 31% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 3,885 babies. Since 2010, 1,244 more have been named Melisa.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lakesha, Terra, Renata, Chrissy, and Maribel.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Melisa ranked highest in Florida, New York, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #2064 | 6 |
| New York | #2306 | 5 |
| California | #3381 | 5 |
| Texas | #3642 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Melisa is usually pronounced muh-LEE-suh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-sa”.
Middle names for Melisa
A few middle names that flow with Melisa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Melisa
Similar names
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Alissa Girl
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Lists that include Melisa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Melisa mean?
Melisa is a Greek and Spanish name that means “honeybee”.
What is the origin of the name Melisa?
Melisa has Greek, Spanish, and Turkish roots. In Greek, melissa means honeybee, and Melisa is a streamlined spelling of that ancient word.
Is Melisa a popular name?
Not especially. Melisa ranked #2,950 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Melisa a boy or girl name?
Melisa is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Melisa?
Melisa is usually pronounced muh-LEE-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