Melissa is a moderately popular girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #321 in 2025 with 136 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 1,282 births ranking #46. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 89.4%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 1,862 girls born was named Melissa. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Melissa is a bright classic meaning 'bee'. It feels gentle, familiar, and quietly lively.
The name was used in Greek mythology and later spread through European naming traditions. Its major modern popularity helped make it feel very familiar, but the ancient root remains appealing and clear.