Melissa Shepard

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Melissa Shepard — honey bee
716K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Melissa Shepard 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 Shepard: Shepherd is a surname, cognate of the English word "Shepherd". Several common spelling variations exist, including Shepperd, Sheperd, Shephard, Sheppard, and Shepard. Surname Adaline Shepherd (1883–1950), American composer Alan Shepherd (1935–2007), British motorcycle Grand Prix road racer Alfred Shepherd (1893–1917), Australian fighter ace Amba Shepherd (born 1991), Australian singer Ann Shepherd (1910–2002), American actress born Shaindel Kalish Briana Shepherd (born c. 1987), Western Australian journalist, reporter and news presenter, former New York City Ballet dancer Chandler Shepherd (bo. 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: Shepard

English

Shepherd is a surname, cognate of the English word "Shepherd". Several common spelling variations exist, including Shepperd, Sheperd, Shephard, Sheppard, and Shepard. Surname Adaline Shepherd (1883–1950), American composer Alan Shepherd (1935–2007), British motorcycle Grand Prix road racer Alfred Shepherd (1893–1917), Australian fighter ace Amba Shepherd (born 1991), Australian singer Ann Shepherd (1910–2002), American actress born Shaindel Kalish Briana Shepherd (born c. 1987), Western Australian journalist, reporter and news presenter, former New York City Ballet dancer Chandler Shepherd (bo.

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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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Numerology

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

5
Expression Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

3
Soul Urge Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

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 Shepard?
The surname Shepard originates from English. Shepherd is a surname, cognate of the English word "Shepherd". Several common spelling variations exist, including Shepperd, Sheperd, Shephard, Sheppard, and Shepard. Surname Adaline Shepherd (1883–1950), American composer Alan Shepherd (1935–2007), British motorcycle Grand Prix road racer Alfred Shepherd (1893–1917), Australian fighter ace Amba Shepherd (born 1991), Australian singer Ann Shepherd (1910–2002), American actress born Shaindel Kalish Briana Shepherd (born c. 1987), Western Australian journalist, reporter and news presenter, former New York City Ballet dancer Chandler Shepherd (bo.
What are the origins of the name Melissa Shepard?
The name Melissa Shepard combines two different traditions: the first name Melissa has Greek roots, while the surname Shepard originates from English.
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