Melissa Ward
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
Melissa Ward 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 Ward: Ward is a surname of either Old English or Old Gaelic origin, common in English-speaking countries. The Old English name derives from an occupational surname for a civil guard/keeper of the watch, or alternately as a topographical surname from the word werd ("marsh"). The Old Irish surname is linguistically unrelated, and derives from Mac an Bháird ("son of the Bard"), a bárd being a storyteller or poet. An Irish variant is O'Ward. The oldest public record of the surname dates to 1176. In the 2010 United States census, Ward was the 79th most common surname. 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: Ward
English
Ward is a surname of either Old English or Old Gaelic origin, common in English-speaking countries. The Old English name derives from an occupational surname for a civil guard/keeper of the watch, or alternately as a topographical surname from the word werd ("marsh"). The Old Irish surname is linguistically unrelated, and derives from Mac an Bháird ("son of the Bard"), a bárd being a storyteller or poet. An Irish variant is O'Ward. The oldest public record of the surname dates to 1176. In the 2010 United States census, Ward was the 79th most common surname.
Geographic Distribution
The first name Melissa is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:
Popularity Over Time
Popularity of the name Melissa by decade, based on birth registration data:
Notable People Named Melissa Ward
- Melissa Leo (film actor, 1960)
- Missy Elliott (music executive, 1971)
- Melissa Joan Hart (podcaster, 1976)
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 Ward:
Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.
Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.
Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.
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 Ward?
- The surname Ward originates from English. Ward is a surname of either Old English or Old Gaelic origin, common in English-speaking countries. The Old English name derives from an occupational surname for a civil guard/keeper of the watch, or alternately as a topographical surname from the word werd ("marsh"). The Old Irish surname is linguistically unrelated, and derives from Mac an Bháird ("son of the Bard"), a bárd being a storyteller or poet. An Irish variant is O'Ward. The oldest public record of the surname dates to 1176. In the 2010 United States census, Ward was the 79th most common surname.
- What are the origins of the name Melissa Ward?
- The name Melissa Ward combines two different traditions: the first name Melissa has Greek roots, while the surname Ward originates from English.