Melissa Dunphy

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Melissa Dunphy — honey bee
716K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Melissa Dunphy 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 Dunphy: Chris Dunphy (born 1950), Football (Soccer) Chairman Don Dunphy (1908–1998), American broadcaster Éamon Dunphy (born 1945), Irish footballer and broadcaster Fran Dunphy (born 1948), American basketball coach Jack Dunphy (1914–1992), American author Jerry Dunphy (1921–2002), American broadcaster Jessica Dunphy (born 1984), American actress Kristen Dunphy, Australian television screenwriter and producer Larry Dunphy (born 1952), American politician Melissa Dunphy (born 1980), Australian-American classical composer Michelle Dunphy, American politician from Maine Myles and Milo Dunphy (1928–1996). 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: Dunphy

Irish

Chris Dunphy (born 1950), Football (Soccer) Chairman Don Dunphy (1908–1998), American broadcaster Éamon Dunphy (born 1945), Irish footballer and broadcaster Fran Dunphy (born 1948), American basketball coach Jack Dunphy (1914–1992), American author Jerry Dunphy (1921–2002), American broadcaster Jessica Dunphy (born 1984), American actress Kristen Dunphy, Australian television screenwriter and producer Larry Dunphy (born 1952), American politician Melissa Dunphy (born 1980), Australian-American classical composer Michelle Dunphy, American politician from Maine Myles and Milo Dunphy (1928–1996).

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Melissa is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Melissa by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Melissa Dunphy

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Melissa Dunphy:

4
Expression Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

9
Soul Urge Number

Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.

4
Personality Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

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 Dunphy?
The surname Dunphy originates from Irish. Chris Dunphy (born 1950), Football (Soccer) Chairman Don Dunphy (1908–1998), American broadcaster Éamon Dunphy (born 1945), Irish footballer and broadcaster Fran Dunphy (born 1948), American basketball coach Jack Dunphy (1914–1992), American author Jerry Dunphy (1921–2002), American broadcaster Jessica Dunphy (born 1984), American actress Kristen Dunphy, Australian television screenwriter and producer Larry Dunphy (born 1952), American politician Melissa Dunphy (born 1980), Australian-American classical composer Michelle Dunphy, American politician from Maine Myles and Milo Dunphy (1928–1996).
What are the origins of the name Melissa Dunphy?
The name Melissa Dunphy combines two different traditions: the first name Melissa has Greek roots, while the surname Dunphy originates from Irish.
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