Elissa
Meaning of Elissa
The name Elissa is a captivating and elegant choice for a baby girl. Pronounced as ih-LISS-uh (/ɪ.ˈlɪs.ə), this name has a rich history and cultural significance. Elissa is often considered a variation of the name Alissa or Elyssa, and it carries an aura of timeless sophistication. The name has roots in various cultures; one notable origin is Phoenician, where Elissa was the original name of Queen Dido, the legendary founder and first queen of Carthage. This historical association imbues the name with a sense of strength and leadership.
In the United States, Elissa has seen fluctuating popularity over the decades. It reached its peak in the early 1980s but has maintained a consistent presence on baby name charts since then. In recent years, it ranked at 1,463rd place in 2023 with 150 occurrences, showing a steady yet modest usage among newborns.
Elissa’s melodic sound and classical roots make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that is both unique and historically rich. Whether you are drawn to its regal associations or its lyrical pronunciation, Elissa remains an enchanting option for your little one.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as ih-LISS-uh (/ɪ.ˈlɪs.ə)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Elissa
| Elissa Blair Slotkin is a U.S. representative from Michigan's 7th congressional district, previously known as the 8th district, and is based in Lansing. |
| Elissar Zakaria Khoury, also known as Elissa, is a renowned Lebanese singer and one of the most prominent artists in the Arab world. |
| Elissa Steamer is a renowned American professional skateboarder. |
| Elissa Rhaïs, born Rosine Boumendil, was a Jewish-Algerian writer who gained popularity for her novels but faced controversy regarding the authenticity of her work and literacy. |
| Elissa Landi, an Austrian-American actress born in Venice, gained popularity as a performer in Hollywood films of the 1920s and 1930s, and was noted for her alleged aristocratic bearing. |
| Elissa Washuta is a Native American author from the Cowlitz people of Washington State, known for her memoirs addressing topics such as eating disorders, body dysmorphia, sexual assault, mental health, and identity within the Indigenous community. |
| Elissa Blount Moorhead - Elissa Blount-Moorhead is a Baltimore-based producer, artist, writer, curator, and lecturer known for her interdisciplinary work in visual art, music, design, and film, advocating for social change through her creative endeavors. |
| Elissa Aalto was a renowned Finnish architect. |
| Elissa Down is an Australian filmmaker who was nominated for Young Filmmaker of the Year at the WA Screen Awards in 1999 and 2000. |
| Elissa Tenny is the first female president of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an influential American academic and educator. |
| Elissa Knight is an American Pixar employee and voice actress known for her roles as Tia in Cars and as Eve in WALL-E. |
| Elissa Zanna Cameron is a renowned New Zealand wildlife biologist specializing in animal behavior, ecology, and conservation biology. |
