Alissa is a feminine given name of Greek origin that means "joyful" or "happy". It is derived from the Greek word "alè", which means "joy". The name Alissa has been popular throughout history, particularly in Russia, where it has been a favored choice for girls since the 19th century. In fact, some notable Russian figures have borne this name, such as Alissa Khazeva, a famous chess player, and Alissa Freindlich, an acclaimed opera singer.
The name Alissa gained international popularity during the late 20th century, appearing in various forms across different languages and cultures. For example, it is spelled "Alessa" in Italian and "Alyssa" in English-speaking countries. Despite these variations, the core meaning of joy and happiness remains constant throughout all iterations of the name.
In literature and popular culture, Alissa has been used as a character's name in various works, such as "The House with a Clock in Its Walls" by John Bellairs and "Alyssa and the Dragon" by Christopher Rowley. These appearances have contributed to the name's ongoing popularity and recognition.
Overall, the name Alissa is a charming and meaningful choice for parents looking for a feminine name with a positive connotation. Its Greek origin and timeless meaning make it an attractive option across different cultures and languages.
The name Alissa experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. Initially, there were fewer than 10 births per year from 1948 to 1960. However, starting in 1961, the number of births began to rise dramatically, reaching a peak of 358 births in 1970. This high popularity persisted until the late 1970s and early 1980s, with over 1000 Alissa births recorded annually from 1976 to 1984.
After this period, the name's popularity began to decline, albeit more gradually than its rise. It remained among the top names until the late 1990s and early 2000s, but the number of annual births was consistently lower than in previous decades.
In recent years, the name Alissa has become less common, with fewer than 200 births per year since 2016. As of 2023, it appears that the name's popularity continues to wane, with only 122 births recorded this year.