Lyssa

♀ Girl

Pronounced LISS-uh /ˈlɪs.ə/Medium

Meaning: Usually a short form of Alyssa ('noble', or from the alyssum flower) or Melissa (Greek, 'honeybee'), used as a standalone name. Routes uncertain between those roots, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A trim short form: Lyssa comes from Alyssa or Melissa (said 'LISS-uh'). Sweet and simple; routes are uncertain, which we note.

💕 Browse more names

Origin LowEnglish, Greek

MeaningUsually a short form of Alyssa ('noble', or from the alyssum flower) or Melissa (Greek, 'honeybee'), used as a standalone name. Routes uncertain between those roots, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#12893 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1992

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,492

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

Lyssa is generally a clipped form of Alyssa or Melissa, worn as a name of its own. Both parents are well-loved: Alyssa links to a flower and 'noble,' Melissa to 'honeybee.' The route here is uncertain, which we note. Said 'LISS-uh,' it feels light and friendly.

As a standalone name in the U.S. it is uncommon, more familiar as a nickname. Sweet, short, and flower- or bee-linked.

Did you know? Lyssa most often shortens Alyssa or Melissa — the first tied to the alyssum flower, the second to Greek melissa, 'honeybee.' Which name it comes from varies family to family, so its exact route is uncertain, which we note.

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Lyssa — Short form of Alyssa/Melissa; routes uncertain

Variations

AlyssaMelissaLissa

Nicknames

LysLissy

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Lyssa…

Alyssa— a common source name for Lyssa

Melissa— another likely source, 'honeybee'

Lissa— a like short-form cousin

Alissa— a like Alyssa-family pick

Explore names like Lyssa

By themeuncertain greek short sweet

By meaningFlower Royal / Noble

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lyssa mean?

Lyssa is usually short for Alyssa or Melissa; the route is uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Lyssa?

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

Is Lyssa a boy or girl name?

Lyssa is a girl's name, a short form tied to Alyssa and Melissa.

How popular is Lyssa?

Lyssa is uncommon as a full name for U.S. girls, better known as a nickname.