Melissa is of Greek origin, meaning "honeybee". It was popularized during the Victorian era and continues to be a beloved choice for parents today. The name Melissa has a melodic sound and rhythm that makes it pleasing to the ear. It consists of three syllables: Me-lis-sa, with the stress falling on the second syllable. Melissa is also often associated with sweetness and light due to its meaning and pronunciation. Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Melissa, including American actress Melissa Gilbert and Australian singer-songwriter Melissa Ferrick. The name Melissa has also been used in various forms of media, such as in the animated film "The Princess and the Frog" where one of the main characters is named Melissa. Overall, Melissa is a charming and memorable choice for a first name, with a rich history and versatile meanings.
"Melissa experienced its peak popularity from 1968 to 1972, with the highest number of births occurring in 1972 at 17. However, it began to decline significantly after 1973, with only 6 or fewer births per year since 1990."