Alyssa Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ah-LIS-ah //əˈlɪsə//
Origin: Greek; Hebrew
Meaning: Greek: 'noble'; Hebrew: 'God's promise'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Alyssa has its roots in the Greek word "alyssum," which refers to a type of flower known for its medicinal properties. The term itself is derived from the Greek "a-" meaning "without" and "lyssa," meaning "madness" or "rage," thus translating to "a remedy for madness." This etymological origin reflects the historical use of the plant in herbal medicine.
The name was introduced into English through various adaptations, particularly in the 19th century, as it began to be used more widely in literature and culture. Historically, the name Alyssa gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly in the context of literature and popular culture.
One notable milestone was its appearance in the works of American authors in the late 1900s, where it was often associated with characters embodying beauty and grace. The name's usage was further popularized by its inclusion in various media, including television and film, which contributed to its recognition as a feminine name, although it has occasionally been used for boys as well.
Culturally, Alyssa has been associated with themes of beauty, nature, and healing, resonating with the characteristics of the alyssum flower. The name evokes a sense of tranquility and calm, aligning with its etymological roots.
Additionally, diminutive forms such as Aly or Lysa have emerged, further enriching the name's cultural tapestry. The enduring appeal of Alyssa can be attributed to its lyrical sound and the positive connotations associated with its botanical origins, making it a name that has found a place in various cultural narratives.
Famous people named Alyssa
Alyssa Milano is an actress and producer best known for Charmed, Who's the Boss?, and Melrose Place.
Alyssa Ash is a social media influencer and entrepreneur best known for her work in digital marketing and content creation.
Alyssa Edwards is a drag performer and television personality best known for RuPaul's Drag Race and Dancing Queen.
Fictional characters named Alyssa
Alyssa is a fictional character from the TV series The 100. She is a member of the group known as the Delinquents and plays a significant role in the survival of her people.
Sibling suggestions
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Alyssa was first seen in the United States in 1950.
Alyssa has ranked as high as #38 nationally, which occurred in 1999, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
In the past 5 years the name Alyssa has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Alyssa (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 154 | |
| TX | 115 | |
| FL | 49 | |
| NY | 45 | |
| IL | 28 | |
| NC | 28 | |
| VA | 26 | |
| PA | 25 | |
| AZ | 24 | |
| NJ | 23 | |
| GA | 21 | |
| TN | 21 | |
| WA | 17 | |
| OH | 15 | |
| IN | 14 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 5 |
| 1953 | 6 |
| 1954 | 7 |
| 1956 | 13 |
| 1957 | 13 |
| 1958 | 20 |
| 1959 | 35 |
| 1960 | 111 |
| 1961 | 87 |
| 1962 | 86 |
| 1963 | 124 |
| 1964 | 118 |
| 1965 | 119 |
| 1966 | 137 |
| 1967 | 143 |
| 1968 | 199 |
| 1969 | 380 |
| 1970 | 444 |
| 1971 | 402 |
| 1972 | 344 |
| 1973 | 449 |
| 1974 | 467 |
| 1975 | 559 |
| 1976 | 681 |
| 1977 | 759 |
| 1978 | 801 |
| 1979 | 1,174 |
| 1980 | 1,180 |
| 1981 | 1,128 |
| 1982 | 1,109 |
| 1983 | 1,201 |
| 1984 | 1,538 |
| 1985 | 2,258 |
| 1986 | 3,225 |
| 1987 | 5,136 |
| 1988 | 7,134 |
| 1989 | 9,043 |
| 1990 | 11,263 |
| 1991 | 10,678 |
| 1992 | 10,163 |
| 1993 | 11,030 |
| 1994 | 10,602 |
| 1995 | 10,100 |
| 1996 | 11,024 |
| 1997 | 12,649 |
| 1998 | 13,709 |
| 1999 | 14,036 |
| 2000 | 13,553 |
| 2001 | 13,272 |
| 2002 | 12,847 |
| 2003 | 12,750 |
| 2004 | 12,109 |
| 2005 | 10,891 |
| 2006 | 10,177 |
| 2007 | 11,275 |
| 2008 | 9,652 |
| 2009 | 7,979 |
| 2010 | 6,993 |
| 2011 | 6,029 |
| 2012 | 5,090 |
| 2013 | 4,212 |
| 2014 | 3,846 |
| 2015 | 3,255 |
| 2016 | 2,680 |
| 2017 | 2,241 |
| 2018 | 1,881 |
| 2019 | 1,699 |
| 2020 | 1,471 |
| 2021 | 1,301 |
| 2022 | 1,098 |
| 2023 | 929 |
| 2024 | 793 |