Melissa Benham
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
Melissa Benham is a name that combines Greek origins. The first name Melissa is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Melissa is a feminine given name. The name comes from the Greek word μέλισσα (mélissa), "bee", which in turn comes from μέλι (meli), "honey". In Hittite, melit signifies "honey". Melissa is a common variant form, with others being Malissa, Melesa, Melessa, Meliza, Mellisa, Melosa, and Molissa. According to Greek mythology, perhaps reflecting Minoan culture, making her the daughter of a Cretan king Melisseus, whose -issos ending is Pre-Greek, Melissa was a nymph who discovered and taught the use of honey and from whom bees were believed to have received their name. The surname Benham: Alfred Ernest Yonge Benham (1888–1962), Australian bass singer Andrew E. K. Benham (1832–1905), American admiral Charles Benham (1860–1929), author, newspaper editor and amateur scientist Chris Benham (born 1983), English cricketer Edward Benham (died 1869) printer and editor of Essex County Standard Ellen Ida Benham (1871–1917) science teacher in South Australia. Melissa is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 716K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Melissa reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.
Etymology & Origin
First Name: Melissa
Meaning: honey bee
Greek
Melissa is a feminine given name. The name comes from the Greek word μέλισσα (mélissa), "bee", which in turn comes from μέλι (meli), "honey". In Hittite, melit signifies "honey". Melissa is a common variant form, with others being Malissa, Melesa, Melessa, Meliza, Mellisa, Melosa, and Molissa. According to Greek mythology, perhaps reflecting Minoan culture, making her the daughter of a Cretan king Melisseus, whose -issos ending is Pre-Greek, Melissa was a nymph who discovered and taught the use of honey and from whom bees were believed to have received their name.
Surname: Benham
English
Alfred Ernest Yonge Benham (1888–1962), Australian bass singer Andrew E. K. Benham (1832–1905), American admiral Charles Benham (1860–1929), author, newspaper editor and amateur scientist Chris Benham (born 1983), English cricketer Edward Benham (died 1869) printer and editor of Essex County Standard Ellen Ida Benham (1871–1917) science teacher in South Australia.
Geographic Distribution
The first name Melissa is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:
Popularity Over Time
Popularity of the name Melissa by decade, based on birth registration data:
Numerology
According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Melissa Benham:
Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.
Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.
Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.
Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the origin of the first name Melissa?
- The first name Melissa originates from Greek. Melissa is a feminine given name. The name comes from the Greek word μέλισσα (mélissa), "bee", which in turn comes from μέλι (meli), "honey". In Hittite, melit signifies "honey". Melissa is a common variant form, with others being Malissa, Melesa, Melessa, Meliza, Mellisa, Melosa, and Molissa. According to Greek mythology, perhaps reflecting Minoan culture, making her the daughter of a Cretan king Melisseus, whose -issos ending is Pre-Greek, Melissa was a nymph who discovered and taught the use of honey and from whom bees were believed to have received their name.
- When was Melissa most popular?
- The name Melissa reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
- What is the origin of the surname Benham?
- The surname Benham originates from English. Alfred Ernest Yonge Benham (1888–1962), Australian bass singer Andrew E. K. Benham (1832–1905), American admiral Charles Benham (1860–1929), author, newspaper editor and amateur scientist Chris Benham (born 1983), English cricketer Edward Benham (died 1869) printer and editor of Essex County Standard Ellen Ida Benham (1871–1917) science teacher in South Australia.
- What are the origins of the name Melissa Benham?
- The name Melissa Benham combines two different traditions: the first name Melissa has Greek roots, while the surname Benham originates from English.