Melissa

girlGreekNot a traditional Muslim name

Melissa is a Greek girl name meaning “Honeybee”.

MeaningHoneybee
GenderGirl
OriginGreek
Pronunciationmeh-LIS-sah
Muslim name?Not a traditional Muslim name

Meaning and origin of Melissa

Melissa is the Greek word for honeybee. In Greek mythology it was the name of a nymph, and it became popular in English-speaking countries from the 1960s. The Turkish form Melisa is fashionable in Turkey, partly because the lemon-balm herb is called melisa there. The name has no Arabic root.

Is Melissa a Muslim name?

Melissa is not a traditional Muslim name; it is Greek and mainly used in Western countries, though its Turkish form Melisa is given by some Muslim families in Turkey. Parents looking for a similar sound with an Islamic background might consider Malika, Malak or Maleeha.

Where is the name Melissa used?

Common in Europe, the Americas and Australia; as Melisa it is popular in Turkey and the Balkans.

Gifts with the name Melissa

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Spellings and variants of Melissa

MelisaMelisseMélissa

Muslim names similar to Melissa

If you like the sound of Melissa but want a name with an Islamic meaning, consider:

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More girl names like Melissa

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Melissa mean?

Melissa means 'Honeybee'. It comes from Greek.

Is Melissa a Muslim name?

Melissa is not a traditional Muslim name; it is Greek and mainly used in Western countries, though its Turkish form Melisa is given by some Muslim families in Turkey. Parents looking for a similar sound with an Islamic background might consider Malika, Malak or Maleeha.

How do you pronounce Melissa?

Melissa is pronounced meh-LIS-sah.

Updated October 2026 · Researched by the Modern Muslim Names team. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.