Melissa: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Names serve as fascinating anchors for identity, connecting personal stories with global history, gender, and cultural trends. Melissa, with its classic feminine vibe, possesses a rich history stemming from ancient Greek narratives. The name’s core meaning relates to sweetness and the diligent honeybee, establishing a strong natural and approachable mood. Globally, the name is celebrated on various dates, reflecting its international usage and popularity. For instance, Melissa's name day falls on March 16th in the USA and September 15th in Austria.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Melissa's name day is celebrated
on March 16 in the USA,
May 5 in Finland,
July 13 in Norway,
September 15 in Austria and
September 21 in France (
Mélissa).
The Story Behind This Name
Melissa saw a dramatic rise in popularity in the United States starting in the 1960s, peaking as a top-ten name throughout the 1970s and 1980s. It remains a well-known classic name, although its usage has steadily declined since its peak decades. Internationally, Melissa has been popular across various Western countries, including Canada, Australia, and the UK. Historically, the name experienced a revival in use during the Renaissance period, following a long period of dormancy. Its modern widespread usage is largely attributed to 20th-century naming trends in the Anglosphere. The name is also commonly heard in countries like Portugal, Brazil, and Greece.
Name origin and meaning
The name Melissa is ancient, deriving directly from Greek mythology and classical tradition. It is famously associated with a nymph who was credited with discovering and teaching the use of honey. Therefore, the most recognized interpretation of the name is often stated as simply “bee” or “honeybee.” This classical connection imbues the name with notions of sweetness, diligence, and connection to nature. It was often adopted by early Christian women, linking it to both classical literature and early religious history.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Melissa is overwhelmingly classified as a feminine given name across the globe. There are virtually no documented instances of it being used as a masculine name in modern Western naming conventions. It is considered strictly female in the United States, throughout Europe, and across Latin America. Like many classic names, its spelling and sound variations exist, but Melissa itself is firmly associated with the female identity. Thus, worldwide, it is established as a traditional and widespread girl’s name.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Melissa evokes a soft, classic, and inherently approachable mood. It carries a distinctly romantic and gentle tone due to its ancient association with honey and natural sweetness. The vibe is traditionally feminine, suggesting warmth, reliability, and approachability. It is perceived as a name that is both friendly and enduringly elegant. Melissa maintains a balanced personality, feeling familiar without being overly simplistic or trendy.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Melissa
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 6 – The Nurturer.
Keywords: Responsibility, family, love, service, harmony, compassion.
Positive Traits: Caring, nurturing, protective, supportive, artistic.
Challenges: Can be overbearing, self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
Life Path Meaning: A role centered around caregiving, relationships, and artistic pursuits.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 2 - The Diplomat
Traits: Cooperative, intuitive, emotional, peacemaker.
Strengths: Great mediator, sensitive, nurturing, works well in partnerships.
Challenges: Can be indecisive, overly dependent on others, or overly sensitive.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Venus - Love, Beauty, Harmony.
Venus rules love, beauty, and relationships, making names influenced by this planet exude charm, grace, and artistic sensibilities. Those with Venus-ruled names are often aesthetically inclined, diplomatic, and naturally attractive in their demeanor. They appreciate harmony in their surroundings and relationships, often seeking balance and fairness in all aspects of life.
Name days: Name Melissa
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 USA | March | 16 | Bailee, Bailey, Baylee, Bayley, Melisa, Melissa, Melita, Melyta, Millicent, Millie, Missy |
 Finland | May | 5 | Maini, Melina, Melissa |
 Norway | July | 13 | Melissa, Mia, Mildrid |
 Austria | September | 15 | Dolores, Melissa, Melitta |
 France | September | 21 | Déborah, Jonas, Matthieu, Mélissa |
Melissa A Conclusion of Attributes
In conclusion, Melissa is a globally recognized, definitively feminine name that achieved peak popularity during the late 20th century. Its origin, rooted in the Greek word for 'honeybee,' lends it a mood that is both sweet and enduringly classic. This ancient history ensures its continuous relevance, despite fluctuating modern popularity rankings. The name enjoys specific calendar recognition across various nations, marking name days in countries like Finland (May 5th) and Norway (July 13th). Melissa remains a balanced and sophisticated choice, blending familiar friendliness with historical depth.
When Is Your Name Day?
Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!
