When was Melissa most popular?

The name Melissa reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.

What are the origins of the name Melissa Walsh?

The name Melissa Walsh combines two different traditions: the first name Melissa has Greek roots, while the surname Walsh originates from Irish.

Melissa Walsh — 716K & 105K bearers

Melissa Walsh 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 Walsh: Walsh (Irish: Breathnach) is a common Irish surname. It derives from a Middle English variant of the word "Welsh", and originally denoted a Welsh speaker, a number of whom arrived in Ireland following the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century. It is the fourth most common surname in Ireland and the 265th most common in the United States. There are variants including "Walshe", "Welch", "Welsh", and "Brannagh" (an anglicisation of the Irish form). Walsh is uncommon as a given name. The name is often pronounced "Welsh" in the south and west of the country. 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: Walsh

Irish

Walsh (Irish: Breathnach) is a common Irish surname. It derives from a Middle English variant of the word "Welsh", and originally denoted a Welsh speaker, a number of whom arrived in Ireland following the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century. It is the fourth most common surname in Ireland and the 265th most common in the United States. There are variants including "Walshe", "Welch", "Welsh", and "Brannagh" (an anglicisation of the Irish form). Walsh is uncommon as a given name. The name is often pronounced "Welsh" in the south and west of the country.

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

Notable People Named Melissa Walsh

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 Walsh:

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 Walsh?: The surname Walsh originates from Irish. Walsh (Irish: Breathnach) is a common Irish surname. It derives from a Middle English variant of the word "Welsh", and originally denoted a Welsh speaker, a number of whom arrived in Ireland following the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century. It is the fourth most common surname in Ireland and the 265th most common in the United States. There are variants including "Walshe", "Welch", "Welsh", and "Brannagh" (an anglicisation of the Irish form). Walsh is uncommon as a given name. The name is often pronounced "Welsh" in the south and west of the country.
What are the origins of the name Melissa Walsh?: The name Melissa Walsh combines two different traditions: the first name Melissa has Greek roots, while the surname Walsh originates from Irish.