The Baby Name Wizard

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Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Elissa!

Comments and insights on the name Elissa: | Edit

I know two Elissas (spelled this way) and both are Jewish. I was wondering if it's a Hebrew name.
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I know a Jewish Elissa aswell, but I don't think it's Hebrew.

Personal experiences with the name Elissa: | Edit

Elissa is my name. Be forewarned that most will call your child 'Melissa' until they are corrected. I have constant trouble getting people to spell my name correctly and pronounce it correctly (even spellchecker on this is saying it is spelled wrong!!). I have come across maybe 2 people with my name spelled the same way. Many people compliment it though and I never had trouble in school with people trying to rhyme my name with something derogatory or negative. All things to take into consideration when choosing this name.

My experiences with being named "Elissa" are similar, though I've met over half a dozen "Elissa's" over the course of my nearly-50 years. There's actually a site for those of us with this name spelled this way at elissa.org. They even have periodic Elissa conventions in Galveston, TX on the famous ship, "Elissa."

My name is Elissa (pronounced Uh-LEE-suh). I haven't met anyone that spells it the same, nor pronounces it the same. I've been called Alyssa so many times I've actually started to answer to either. I also go by Ellie or Elise. I love my name, though. It's very unique and I get complimented on it a lot. People also tend to spell it with an A until I correct them.

Nicknames for Elissa: | Edit

Elle- (L), Lissy, Lissie, Lissa, Lis

Meanings and history of the name Elissa: | Edit

Coming from 'Elizabeth' or 'Elisabeth' this name means 'Oath of God'. When taken from the Greek language it means 'Of the Blessed Isles'.

Famous real-life people named Elissa: | Edit

Elissa, Lebanese singer
Elissa, Canadian singer
Elissa Knight, American voice actress
Elissa Landi, European-American film & stage actress of the 1920s & 30s

Elissa in song, story & screen: | Edit

Dido, the queen of Carthage in Greek and Roman mythology (in some sources she is also known as Elissa)
Elissa, one of the seven women occurring as narrators in Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron"