Melissa Rowell

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Melissa Rowell — honey bee
716K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Melissa Rowell 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 Rowell: Bama Rowell (1916–1993), American baseball player Chester Rowell (1844–1912), physician, founder of the Fresno Republican newspaper, California State Senator, and University of California Regent; brother of Jonathan Chester Harvey Rowell (1867–1948), editor and then manager of the Fresno Morning Republican; son of Jonathan Fred Rowell (1918–1988), English footballer Galen Rowell (1940–2002), American wilderness photographer and climber Gary Rowell (1957–2025), English football player and commentator Geoffrey Rowell (1943–2017), Anglican cleric, third Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe George P. 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: Rowell

English

Bama Rowell (1916–1993), American baseball player Chester Rowell (1844–1912), physician, founder of the Fresno Republican newspaper, California State Senator, and University of California Regent; brother of Jonathan Chester Harvey Rowell (1867–1948), editor and then manager of the Fresno Morning Republican; son of Jonathan Fred Rowell (1918–1988), English footballer Galen Rowell (1940–2002), American wilderness photographer and climber Gary Rowell (1957–2025), English football player and commentator Geoffrey Rowell (1943–2017), Anglican cleric, third Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe George P.

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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 Rowell

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 Rowell:

1
Expression Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

8
Soul Urge Number

Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.

11
Personality Number

Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.

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 Rowell?
The surname Rowell originates from English. Bama Rowell (1916–1993), American baseball player Chester Rowell (1844–1912), physician, founder of the Fresno Republican newspaper, California State Senator, and University of California Regent; brother of Jonathan Chester Harvey Rowell (1867–1948), editor and then manager of the Fresno Morning Republican; son of Jonathan Fred Rowell (1918–1988), English footballer Galen Rowell (1940–2002), American wilderness photographer and climber Gary Rowell (1957–2025), English football player and commentator Geoffrey Rowell (1943–2017), Anglican cleric, third Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe George P.
What are the origins of the name Melissa Rowell?
The name Melissa Rowell combines two different traditions: the first name Melissa has Greek roots, while the surname Rowell originates from English.
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