Elissa
Elissa is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Wanderer, noble, or consecrated to God.
Origin and history
Elissa is a classical feminine name often considered a variant of Phoenician origin linked to Dido, the legendary queen of Carthage, or as a modern derivative of Elizabeth or Alice. It has been steadily used in the United States over the past century as a distinct alternative to Melissa and Alyssa. It offers a classic, melodic sound with rich historical resonance.
Popularity in the United States
18,033 babies in the United States have been named Elissa since 1880. It ranks #1133 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1276.
States where it is most popular
- CA (17.8 %)
- NY (17.7 %)
- TX (13 %)
- IL (5.6 %)
- PA (5.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 46 |
| 1920-1930 | 37 |
| 1930-1940 | 378 |
| 1940-1950 | 676 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,283 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,352 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,465 |
| 1980-1990 | 3,277 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,865 |
| 2000-2010 | 2,653 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,115 |
| 2020-2029 | 886 |
Famous people named Elissa
- Elissa Down: Director, Screenwriter
- Elissa Landi: Actress, Novelist
- Elissa Knight: Voice Actress, Animator
Nicknames
Ellie, Lissa, Elly
Fun facts
- In classical Greco-Roman mythology, Elissa was the original name of Dido, the founder and queen of Carthage.
- The name appears in classic literature, including Edmund Spenser's 16th-century epic poem The Faerie Queene.