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Alyssa Girl

Popularity: #357 · Trend: ↘ Falling

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.

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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
21%
TX 115
16%
FL 49
7%
NY 45
6%
IL 28
4%
NC 28
4%
VA 26
4%
PA 25
3%
AZ 24
3%
NJ 23
3%
GA 21
3%
TN 21
3%
WA 17
2%
OH 15
2%
IN 14
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19505
19536
19547
195613
195713
195820
195935
1960111
196187
196286
1963124
1964118
1965119
1966137
1967143
1968199
1969380
1970444
1971402
1972344
1973449
1974467
1975559
1976681
1977759
1978801
19791,174
19801,180
19811,128
19821,109
19831,201
19841,538
19852,258
19863,225
19875,136
19887,134
19899,043
199011,263
199110,678
199210,163
199311,030
199410,602
199510,100
199611,024
199712,649
199813,709
199914,036
200013,553
200113,272
200212,847
200312,750
200412,109
200510,891
200610,177
200711,275
20089,652
20097,979
20106,993
20116,029
20125,090
20134,212
20143,846
20153,255
20162,680
20172,241
20181,881
20191,699
20201,471
20211,301
20221,098
2023929
2024793