Melissa is a moderately popular girls' name in United States, ranking #156 in 2010 with 1,951 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 7,170 births ranking #42. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 72.8%. In 2010, approximately 1 in every 911 girls born was named Melissa. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
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.