Alyssa

Alyssa is a feminine given name used in English-speaking countries. It gained widespread use in the United States and United Kingdom in the late 20th century and remains common today. The name is typically pronounced uh-LIS-uh.

Etymology and related names: The origin is not fixed. It is often regarded as a modern form of Alice or Alyse, and some sources link it to the genus name alyssum, which was named from Greek roots. As a result, Alyssa has spawned several spellings and related names, such as Alyse, Alyson, and Alissa.

Popularity and usage: In the United States, Alyssa rose in popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s, climbing into the top 100 and remaining a familiar choice for girls. It is also common in Canada and the United Kingdom, with regional spelling variations.

Notable people: Notable individuals named Alyssa include Alyssa Milano (born 1972), an American actress and activist known for work in television and film; and Alyssa Carson (born 2001), an American student and space education advocate pursuing astronaut training.

Variants and nicknames: Common diminutives include Aly, Lyss, and Lissy. The name appears in various spellings and can be found across different cultures that adopt English-derived naming conventions.