Elyssa
Meaning of Elyssa
Elyssa, pronounced eh-LISS-uh (/ɛˈlɪsə/), occupies an etymological crossroads where Classical lore and modern Anglo-American naming patterns quietly intersect: philologists regard it, in part, as a spelling variant of Elissa—the Hellenised form of Phoenician Elishat, the legendary Queen Dido of Carthage—while others note its phonetic kinship with Alyssa, a late-medieval botanical appellation linked to the sweet alyssum flower and the Greek term alyssos (“curing madness”). Whichever lineage the registrant prefers, the name conveys a fusion of regal antiquity and floral delicacy that has appealed to a modest yet persistent cohort of American parents for more than six decades; Social Security data show that Elyssa has hovered between roughly 600th and 900th place since the late 1960s, peaking at 616 in 1998 and maintaining a measured presence at 901 in the most recent tally. Its orthographic distinctiveness—achieved by the initial “E” that softens the sound without altering the stress pattern—satisfies contemporary tastes for familiar phonemes presented in visually novel form, thereby granting the bearer a degree of individuality without sacrificing ease of pronunciation. Culturally, the name’s double resonance—imperial founder on one hand, gentle bloom on the other—allows it to straddle narratives of strength and grace, making Elyssa a calibrated choice for parents who value historical depth as much as modern simplicity.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as eh-LISS-uh (/ɛˈlɪsə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
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