Melissa Tharp

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Melissa Tharp — honey bee
716K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Melissa Tharp 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 Tharp: Kenneth Tharp (contemporary), English dance artist Twyla Tharp (b. 1941), American dancer and choreographer Aran Tharp (b. 1977), American avant-garde musician Reynold Tharp (b. 1973), American composer Stephen Tharp (b. 1970), American organist John J. Tharp, Jr. (b. 1960), US District Judge in Illinois William Tharp (1803–1865), American politician from Delaware; governor of Delaware 1847–51 Taylor Tharp (b. 1984), American professional football player Carol Baker Tharp (1952–2007), American executive director Hale Tharp (1828–unknown), miner during the California Gold Rush Lars Tharp (b. 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: Tharp

English

Kenneth Tharp (contemporary), English dance artist Twyla Tharp (b. 1941), American dancer and choreographer Aran Tharp (b. 1977), American avant-garde musician Reynold Tharp (b. 1973), American composer Stephen Tharp (b. 1970), American organist John J. Tharp, Jr. (b. 1960), US District Judge in Illinois William Tharp (1803–1865), American politician from Delaware; governor of Delaware 1847–51 Taylor Tharp (b. 1984), American professional football player Carol Baker Tharp (1952–2007), American executive director Hale Tharp (1828–unknown), miner during the California Gold Rush Lars Tharp (b.

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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 Tharp

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 Tharp:

6
Expression Number

Nurturing and responsibility. Associated with care, family values and a strong sense of duty towards loved ones.

7
Soul Urge Number

Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.

8
Personality Number

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

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 Tharp?
The surname Tharp originates from English. Kenneth Tharp (contemporary), English dance artist Twyla Tharp (b. 1941), American dancer and choreographer Aran Tharp (b. 1977), American avant-garde musician Reynold Tharp (b. 1973), American composer Stephen Tharp (b. 1970), American organist John J. Tharp, Jr. (b. 1960), US District Judge in Illinois William Tharp (1803–1865), American politician from Delaware; governor of Delaware 1847–51 Taylor Tharp (b. 1984), American professional football player Carol Baker Tharp (1952–2007), American executive director Hale Tharp (1828–unknown), miner during the California Gold Rush Lars Tharp (b.
What are the origins of the name Melissa Tharp?
The name Melissa Tharp combines two different traditions: the first name Melissa has Greek roots, while the surname Tharp originates from English.
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