The girl's name Melissa \m(e)-lissa, mel(is)-sa\ is pronounced ma-LISS-ah. It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "bee; honey". Mythology: the name of a princess of Crete who was changed into a bee after she learned how to collect honey. The name was used since ancient Greece. Singer Melissa Manchester; actress Melissa Gilbert; dancer Molissa Fenley.

ORIGIN
Greek

MEANING
Bee

Greek mythological name given to forest nymph that was turned into a bee when caught saving young Zeus from his father, Cronus. Stood out in the top 10 due to the premiere and success of the 1974 to 1983 "Little House on the Prairie" television series, starring Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson. Also influenced by singer and songwriter Melissa Manchester when her debut album was released in 1973. The name has many variations, but most trendy when spelled with "z", "ah", "y" or pronounced with the long "ee" sound.

VARIATIONS
Melesio Mel Messiah

ALTERNATIVES
Meliza Melisa Melyssa Melessa Malissa Mellisa Melizah

NICKNAMES
Missy Lissa Mel

FAMOUS Melissas
Melissa Etheridge (musician/singer)

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