Melissa
Peaked at #2 nationally in 1977, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Melissa has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
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Melissa — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#2
in 1977
Current rank
#378
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1880, Melissa reached its peak popularity for girls in 1977, ranking #2 nationally with 26,880 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #224 (2014) to #378 (2024) — a 41% drop.
As of 2024, Melissa ranks #378 nationally for girls, with 825 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #378 | 825 |
| 2023 | #410 | 743 |
| 2022 | #379 | 823 |
| 2021 | #372 | 836 |
| 2020 | #349 | 887 |
| 2019 | #340 | 933 |
| 2018 | #299 | 1,117 |
| 2017 | #275 | 1,170 |
Melissa — Boys (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#747
in 1980
Last ranked
#13380
in 2015
Years tracked
53
1956–2015
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1956, Melissa reached its peak popularity for boys in 1980, ranking #747 nationally with 138 babies given the name that year.
Melissa hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 2015, when it stood at #13380.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | #13,380 | 5 |
| 2008 | #10,646 | 7 |
| 2007 | #11,868 | 6 |
| 2006 | #13,351 | 5 |
| 2005 | #6,949 | 11 |
| 2004 | #9,602 | 7 |
| 2003 | #8,356 | 8 |
| 2002 | #8,187 | 8 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Melissa most popular?
Melissa was most popular in 1977, when it ranked #2 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Melissa becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently falling, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Melissa?
At least 761,881 babies have been recorded with the name Melissa in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Melissa? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.