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Home › Baby Names Directory › Malissa

Malissa

♀ Girl

Pronounced muh-LISS-uh /məˈlɪs.ə/High

Meaning: A variant spelling of Melissa, from the Greek melissa, 'bee' (and by extension 'honey'). In myth, Melissa was a nymph who cared for the infant Zeus. Sweet and classical.Low

In 30 seconds: A spelling of Melissa: Malissa means 'bee' (said 'muh-LISS-uh'). Sweet and classical.
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Origin MediumGreek
MeaningA variant spelling of Melissa, from the Greek melissa, 'bee' (and by extension 'honey'). In myth, Melissa was a nymph who cared for the infant Zeus. Sweet and classical.
U.S. rank (2023)#12958 ↗ Rising
2023 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1979
Total births (all-time)≈ 8,858

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197918802023

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

Malissa is a variant of Melissa, from Greek melissa, 'bee.' It carries the classic's sweetness — honey and industriousness — in a phonetic respelling, rare in the U.S. (said 'muh-LISS-uh').

It appears rarely, next to the more common Melissa. Rare, sweet, and classical.

Did you know? Malissa respells Melissa, the Greek for 'bee' (and 'honey') — in myth a nymph who nursed the infant Zeus — a sweet, classical name in a softened spelling (said 'muh-LISS-uh').
Overall data confidence 46%
References — Malissa — Melissa variant; Greek 'bee'

Variations

MelissaMallissaMelisa

Nicknames

MelLissa

Famous Bearers

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If you like Malissa…

Melissa— the standard spelling
Melisa— a like spelling cousin
Marissa— a like -issa name
Clarissa— a like flowing -issa pick

Explore names like Malissa

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Malissa mean?

Malissa is a form of Melissa, from the Greek for 'bee' (and 'honey').

How do you pronounce Malissa?

It's said muh-LISS-uh /məˈlɪs.ə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Malissa a boy or girl name?

Malissa is a girl's name.

How popular is Malissa?

Malissa is a rare name in the U.S.

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