Malissa

Malissa is a feminine given name. It is typically regarded as a variant spelling of Melissa, a name that ultimately derives from the Greek melissa, meaning "bee." In Greek mythology, Melissa is a nymph associated with honey and bees, and the name became common in the English-speaking world through classical and religious usage. The spelling Malissa is one of several modern variants of Melissa and is most often found in North America.

Pronunciation commonly follows the Melissa pattern, with the emphasis on the second syllable: /mə-LIS-ə/ or /mə-LI-sə/. Spelling variants include Malisa, Melisa, Melissa, and Melisha, among others; such variants share the same origin and meaning.

Usage and popularity: Malissa has been used in English-speaking countries, but it remains far less common than the more established Melissa. It tends to be chosen for personal or familial reasons, including preference for a variant spelling or to honor relatives named Melissa or Malisa.

Notable people: There are no widely cited public figures whose given name is exactly Malissa; notable individuals with related spellings generally use Melissa or Malisa. The form Malissa appears mainly in onomastic references as a variant spelling rather than as a distinct name with a separate history.

See also: Melissa, Malisa, Melisa.