Mélissa: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are traditional celebrations in many cultures, honoring individuals on specific dates associated with saints or historical figures who share their name. These celebrations offer an additional opportunity to recognize a person, often separate from a birthday. Mélissa has several name days across Europe, notably in France on September 21. This overview explores the name's history, origin meaning, gender classification, and the overall mood it evokes.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Mélissa's name day is celebrated
on March 16 in the USA (
Melissa),
May 5 in Finland (
Melissa),
July 13 in Norway (
Melissa),
September 15 in Austria (
Melissa) and
September 21 in France.
Mélissa Popularity in the World
The name Mélissa, particularly in its English spelling Melissa, experienced immense popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. It consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the 1960s and 1970s, establishing it as a classic American name. While the spelling "Mélissa" with the accent is less common in the US, it is prevalent in French-speaking regions such as France and Quebec, where it maintains significant usage. The name has seen global adoption across various cultures due to its soft sound and historical roots. Its usage has generally declined since its peak, but it holds a nostalgic place for many generations. Mélissa continues to be a familiar and beloved name worldwide.
The Greek Origin of Mélissa
Mélissa has ancient Greek roots, derived from the Greek word "melissa," which translates to "honeybee." In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who discovered and taught humans how to use honey. She also served as a priestess to the goddess Demeter. The name's association with the honeybee symbolizes sweetness, industry, and nature. It carries a sense of ancient tradition and natural imagery, reflecting a connection to both mythology and the natural world.
Gender Identity of Mélissa
Mélissa is overwhelmingly classified as a female name across the globe. While some very rare exceptions might exist in certain cultures or as a nickname for a male name, its usage as a primary given name identifies almost exclusively as female. This gender association is consistent in both English-speaking countries (where Melissa is standard) and French-speaking regions (where Mélissa is standard). The name's strong historical and mythological associations reinforce its female identity. It is rarely used as a unisex option.
Mood and Personality of Mélissa
The mood associated with Mélissa is often described as gentle and sweet, reflecting its "honeybee" meaning. The name projects a sense of warmth and natural elegance. It feels both classic and approachable, lacking overly harsh or modern connotations. The sound of Mélissa also conveys a soft, romantic quality, often associated with kindness and traditional femininity. It holds a touch of sophistication due to its French spelling and historical depth.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Mélissa
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 1 – The Leader.
Keywords: Independence, ambition, innovation, leadership, determination.
Positive Traits: Self-motivated, original thinker, confident, goal-oriented, strong-willed.
Challenges: Can be stubborn, impatient, egotistical, or overly competitive.
Life Path Meaning: A path of leadership, individuality, and pioneering new ideas.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 6 - The Nurturer.
Traits: Responsible, family-oriented, compassionate, protective.
Strengths: Caring, loyal, great at building harmony.
Challenges: Can be controlling, overly self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Sun - Leadership, Confidence, Vitality.
The Sun represents power, authority, and self-expression. Names influenced by the Sun often belong to individuals who are natural-born leaders, radiating warmth, charisma, and creativity. They tend to have a strong presence, a sense of purpose, and a desire for recognition. Sun-ruled names often evoke images of brightness, strength, and nobility.
Name days: Name Mélissa
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
USA | March | 16 | Bailee, Bailey, Baylee, Bayley, Melisa, Melissa, Melita, Melyta, Millicent, Millie, Missy |
Finland | May | 5 | Maini, Melina, Melissa |
Norway | July | 13 | Melissa, Mia, Mildrid |
Austria | September | 15 | Dolores, Melissa, Melitta |
France | September | 21 | Déborah, Jonas, Matthieu, Mélissa |
Mélissa Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The name Mélissa offers a blend of classic popularity and natural imagery, stemming from its ancient Greek origin meaning honeybee. While predominantly a female name, it carries a gentle and approachable mood. Its historical usage in various forms, including the French spelling, highlights its enduring appeal across different cultures. Name days for Mélissa vary significantly by country, with September 21 celebrated in France. This diversity underscores the name's widespread adoption throughout history.
When Is Your Name Day?
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