Melissa: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Melissa is a classic name that soared to incredible popularity in the USA during the late 20th century. Its linguistic roots trace back to ancient Greek, where it conveys the charming image of the honeybee. The inherent mood of Melissa is often described as warm, approachable, and possessing quiet elegance. For those who celebrate religious or historical associations, Melissa observes name days on several dates across the globe. Notable name day celebrations occur on March 16th in the USA and May 5th in Finland, linking the name to various annual calendars.
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 experienced a massive surge in popularity in the United States starting in the mid-20th century. It entered the US Top 100 rankings around 1960 and quickly became a cultural favorite. The name peaked during the 1970s and 1980s, consistently remaining among the Top 10 most frequently chosen girls' names. By the late 1990s, its use began a gradual decline, transitioning from a highly fashionable choice to a classic option. Despite its peak fading, Melissa remains a recognized and widely used name throughout the country today.
Name origin and meaning
The name Melissa is derived from an ancient Greek word structure. This root word specifically translates to "honeybee" or "bee." It carries associations with qualities often attributed to bees, such as diligence and sweetness. The name was adopted into various European languages through classical literature and mythology. Its enduring nature stems from its straightforward yet meaningful natural association.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Worldwide, Melissa is overwhelmingly classified and used as a feminine given name. It functions primarily as a name for girls across Western cultures, including the Americas and Europe. In some specific linguistic contexts or regions outside of traditional Western usage, minor variations or similar phonetic names might appear unisex or masculine. However, for the majority of global users, Melissa maintains a strictly female identity. There is virtually no modern usage of this name for males in major English-speaking countries.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
Melissa generally projects a warm and approachable mood, often perceived as sweet and grounded. The name carries an elegant yet accessible tone, avoiding overly ornate or flashy connotations. Its historical depth lends it a sense of classic reliability and sophistication. The vibe is decidedly nature-like, subtly evoking images of flowers and fields due to its root meaning. Overall, Melissa conveys a personality that is friendly, nurturing, and enduring.
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 Classic Name Retrospective
As a firmly established feminine name, Melissa carries the weight of a powerful US popularity history, particularly throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Its ancient Greek origin, meaning "honeybee," imbues the name with a unique natural sweetness and industrious undertone. The overall mood evoked is one of approachability, warmth, and enduring classic elegance. This universally feminine identity is celebrated on various dates globally, such as July 13th in Norway and September 15th in Austria. Melissa stands as a strong example of a name that balances historical depth with modern familiarity.
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!
