Lissa

♀ Girl

Pronounced LISS-ah /ˈlɪs.ə/High

Meaning: A pet form of Melissa — from Greek melissa, 'a honeybee'; also a short form of Alissa/Elizabeth; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A honeybee: Lissa is a pet form of Melissa. Crisp, homey, and warm.

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Origin LowGreek

MeaningA pet form of Melissa — from Greek melissa, 'a honeybee'; also a short form of Alissa/Elizabeth; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#8651 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births12 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1963

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,978

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Lissa is a pet form of Melissa — from Greek melissa, 'a honeybee'; it is also a short form of Alissa/Elizabeth (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, homey name (said 'LISS-ah').

In the U.S. it appears as a nickname-name. Rare, a-honeybee at the root, and homey.

Did you know? Melissa comes from Greek melissa, 'a honeybee' — Lissa is a homey pet form (also short for Alissa/Elizabeth), crisp and warm (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'LISS-ah').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Melissa — routes layered

Variations

LyssaMelissaAlissa

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Lissa…

Melissa— the name it shortens

Alissa— a name it shortens

Marissa— a sound-neighbor -issa girls' name

Dessa— lands in the same popularity range

Tessa— echoes that soft -sa sound

Explore names like Lissa

By themeuncertain greek nickname-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lissa mean?

Lissa is a pet form of Melissa — Greek 'a honeybee'; also short for Alissa/Elizabeth; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Lissa?

It's said LISS-ah /ˈlɪs.ə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Lissa a boy or girl name?

Lissa is a girl's name.

How popular is Lissa?

Lissa is a rare name in the U.S.