Malissa is a unique and captivating feminine name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "malus," which means "bad" or "evil." Despite its potentially negative connotation, Malissa has been used throughout history as a given name for girls.
The name Malissa first appeared in England during the Middle Ages, where it was often used as a diminutive form of names such as Malina, Malinda, or Melisande. Over time, Malissa evolved into an independent name in its own right and gained popularity among parents looking for distinctive and memorable choices for their daughters.
One famous bearer of the name Malissa is Malissa Anne Feruzzi, a Canadian figure skater who competed at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Her success on the international stage helped to further popularize the name Malissa among new generations.
While the meaning of Malissa may be somewhat unusual compared to other feminine names, its unique sound and distinctive spelling make it an attractive choice for parents seeking something different and special for their child. In addition, because Malissa is relatively rare, those who bear this name often stand out and are easily remembered by others.
In summary, Malissa is a Latin-derived given name with a fascinating history and a distinctive meaning. Although its origins may be unconventional, the name has been embraced throughout history and continues to captivate parents and their daughters today.
The given statistics illustrate the number of births with the name Malissa in the United States each year from 1880 to 2023. During this period, there were a total of 8,858 babies named Malissa born in the U.S.
From 1880 to around 1960, the number of births with the name Malissa fluctuated between single digits and low double digits, suggesting that it was not particularly popular during this time. However, starting from the late 1950s, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Malissa.
The peak years for the name Malissa were in the late 1960s to early 1970s, with the highest numbers being recorded in 1965 (126 births), 1966 (183 births), and 1967 (221 births). This trend continued into the early 1970s, with Malissa still ranking among the more popular girl names.
After the mid-1970s, there was a steady decline in the popularity of the name Malissa. From the late 1980s onwards, fewer than 200 babies were named Malissa each year. By the early 2000s, the number of births with this name had fallen significantly, with less than 50 recorded annually between 2000 and 2017.
Since 2018, there have been fewer than 20 births with the name Malissa each year in the U.S. In recent years, Malissa has become quite rare as a baby name choice. This data showcases how trends in naming can change over time and illustrates the ebb and flow of popularity for various names throughout history.