Alyssa Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Alyssa Name Meaning

Fact: Alyssa gained significant popularity in the United States during the late 1980s and 1990s, peaking at number 11 in 1998​.

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A Deep Dive

Alyssa Overview

Meaning

Noble, rational, moon goddess

Gender

Girl

Origin

Germanic, Greek, French

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word “alyssum,” which refers to a flower believed to cure madness​.

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/əˈlɪsə/

Popularity

Alyssa was very popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, peaking as the 11th most popular girls’ name in the USA in 1998 and 1999. In 2023, it ranked #333 in the USA.

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

5 (Visionary, Expansive, Adventurous)

Name Styles

Classic, Aesthetic, Traditional

Associated Traits

Graceful, intelligent, noble, compassionate

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Associated with beauty and intellect in Eastern cultures. In Arabic tradition, linked to the moon goddess, and in French culture, a variation of Elizabeth, meaning “consecrated by God.”

Name Day

April 17th
A Deep Dive

Alyssa Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Alicia, Alissa, Alysa, Alyse, Alysha, Alysia, Elissa, Alisa, Alisia, Alyssia

Common Nicknames

Aly, Ali, Ally, Alys, Lyss, Lyssa, Lissie, Liss, Lissy, Lyssie, Lyssabelle, Lyssandra, Lyssarae, Lysara, Alystar

Diminutives

Lyss, Lyssa, Lissie, Lyssie, Lissy, Lysa, Ali, Al, Ally, Liss

Famous People

  • Alyssa Milano
    (American TV Actress)
  • Alyssa Sutherland
    (Australian Model and Actress)
  • Alyssa Naeher
    (American Soccer Player)
  • Alyssa Edwards
    (American Reality Star)
  • Alyssa Diaz
    (American TV Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Alyssa Jones
    ("Chasing Amy," Film)
  • Alyssa Ashcroft
    ("Resident Evil: Outbreak," Video Game)
  • Alyssa Callaway
    ("It Takes Two," Film)
  • Alyssa Ogawa
    ("Star Trek: The Next Generation," TV Series)
  • Alyssa Searrs
    ("My-HiME," Anime Series)

Places

  • Alyssa Drive Street
    (Texas, USA)
  • Alyssa Lane Street
    (Florida, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Alyssa?

The name Alyssa means “noble,” “joy,” “rational” and “great happiness.” In Greek, it is associated with the alyssum flower, which was believed to cure madness. Additionally, in Arabic culture, Alyssa can mean “moon goddess.” People with this name are often perceived as graceful, kind, and bringing joy to those around them.

What Is the Origin of The Name Alyssa?

Alyssa has a rich origin spanning several cultures. It is derived from the Greek name for the alyssum flower, believed to cure madness. The name is also linked to the Irish and Germanic name Alice, meaning “noble.” In Arabic tradition, Alyssa is connected to the meaning “moon goddess” and in French, it can be a variation of Elizabeth, meaning “consecrated by God”

Alyssa Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Alyssa in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#2332021#2882022#3332023
Top 3 Rankings#111998#111999#122000

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Alyssa

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023333
(-45 from 2022)
927
(-171 from 2022)
0.05300
2022288
(-55 from 2021)
1098
(-202 from 2021)
0.06124
2021233
(-34 from 2020)
1300
(-170 from 2020)
0.07256
2020199
(-29 from 2019)
1470
(-228 from 2019)
0.08316
2019170
(-20 from 2018)
1698
(-182 from 2018)
0.09254
2018150
(-17 from 2017)
1880
(-360 from 2017)
0.10109
2017133
(-14 from 2016)
2240
(-439 from 2016)
0.11857
2016119
(-26 from 2015)
2679
(-576 from 2015)
0.13839
201593
(-17 from 2014)
3255
(-590 from 2014)
0.16685
201476
(-19 from 2013)
3845
(-364 from 2013)
0.19654
201357
(-13 from 2012)
4209
(-881 from 2012)
0.21835
201244
(-7 from 2011)
5090
(-939 from 2011)
0.26244
201137
(-16 from 2010)
6029
(-964 from 2010)
0.31114
201021
(-2 from 2009)
6993
(-985 from 2009)
0.35666
200919
(-3 from 2008)
7978
(-1672 from 2008)
0.39396
200816
(-2 from 2007)
9650
(-1625 from 2007)
0.46330
200714
(+5 from 2006)
11275
(+1098 from 2006)
0.53272
200619
(-3 from 2005)
10177
(-714 from 2005)
0.48682
200516
(-2 from 2004)
10891
(-1218 from 2004)
0.53662
200414
No change from 2003
12109
(-641 from 2003)
0.60011
200314
(-2 from 2002)
12750
(-97 from 2002)
0.63545
200212
(+2 from 2001)
12847
(-425 from 2001)
0.65048
200114
(-2 from 2000)
13272
(-281 from 2000)
0.66999
200012
(-1 from 1999)
13553
(-482 from 1999)
0.67910
199911
No change from 1998
14035
(+326 from 1998)
0.72093
199811
(+4 from 1997)
13709
(+1061 from 1997)
0.70719
199715
(+8 from 1996)
12648
(+1626 from 1996)
0.66246
199623
(+4 from 1995)
11022
(+922 from 1995)
0.57489
199527
(-1 from 1994)
10100
(-502 from 1994)
0.52562
199426
No change from 1993
10602
(-428 from 1993)
0.54386
199326
(+4 from 1992)
11030
(+867 from 1992)
0.55946
199230
No change from 1991
10163
(-515 from 1991)
0.50696
199130
(-3 from 1990)
10678
(-585 from 1990)
0.52512
199027
(+6 from 1989)
11263
(+2220 from 1989)
0.54824
198933
(+14 from 1988)
9043
(+1909 from 1988)
0.45392
198847
(+13 from 1987)
7134
(+1998 from 1987)
0.37096
198760
(+25 from 1986)
5136
(+1911 from 1986)
0.27403
198685
(+45 from 1985)
3225
(+967 from 1985)
0.17475
1985130
(+50 from 1984)
2258
(+720 from 1984)
0.12230
1984180
(+29 from 1983)
1538
(+337 from 1983)
0.08529
1983209
(+21 from 1982)
1201
(+92 from 1982)
0.06711
1982230
(-2 from 1981)
1109
(-19 from 1981)
0.06113
1981228
(-11 from 1980)
1128
(-52 from 1980)
0.06307
1980217
(+6 from 1979)
1180
(+6 from 1979)
0.06627
1979223
(+67 from 1978)
1174
(+373 from 1978)
0.06813
1978290
(+25 from 1977)
801
(+42 from 1977)
0.04873
1977315
(+12 from 1976)
759
(+78 from 1976)
0.04614
1976327
(+45 from 1975)
681
(+123 from 1975)
0.04332
1975372
(+47 from 1974)
558
(+91 from 1974)
0.03575
1974419
(+14 from 1973)
467
(+18 from 1973)
0.02982
1973433
(+72 from 1972)
449
(+105 from 1972)
0.02889
1972505
(-26 from 1971)
344
(-58 from 1971)
0.02133
1971479
(-12 from 1970)
402
(-42 from 1970)
0.02294
1970467
(+32 from 1969)
444
(+64 from 1969)
0.02424
1969499
(+188 from 1968)
380
(+181 from 1968)
0.02156
1968687
(+159 from 1967)
199
(+56 from 1967)
0.01164
1967846
(+10 from 1966)
143
(+6 from 1966)
0.00833
1966856
(+77 from 1965)
137
(+18 from 1965)
0.00780
1965933
(+43 from 1964)
119
(+1 from 1964)
0.00651
1964976
(-29 from 1963)
118
(-6 from 1963)
0.00603
1963947
(+237 from 1962)
124
(+38 from 1962)
0.00624
19621184
No change from 1961
86
(-1 from 1961)
0.00424
19611184
(-165 from 1960)
87
(-24 from 1960)
0.00419
19601019
(+861 from 1959)
111
(+76 from 1959)
0.00534
19591880
(+701 from 1958)
35
(+15 from 1958)
0.00168
19582581
(+728 from 1957)
20
(+7 from 1957)
0.00097
19573309
(+12 from 1956)
13
No change from 1956
0.00062
19563321
(+1334 from 1954)
13
(+6 from 1954)
0.00063
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19544655
(+386 from 1953)
7
(+1 from 1953)
0.00035
19535041
(+259 from 1950)
6
(+1 from 1950)
0.00031
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19505300
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00028
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Alyssa

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#1192021#1552022#1932023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#1782021#2222022#2552023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#2282021#2262022#2942023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#1382021#2612022#2502023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#4632021#3772022#3382023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#2142021#2852022#2932023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#4302021#2682022#4822023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#3012021#7052022#7992023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#1742021#2382022#4632023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#1842021#2252022#2462023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#2242021#2592022#2802023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2282021#2412022#4012023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#2172021#3812022#5702023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#3462021#3942022#2782023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#6642021#5852022#6542023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#3742021#4112022#5072023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#4102021#3232022#4132023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#3352021#3012022#3332023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#4692020#5232021#5132022

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#2892021#4742022#6132023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#5682021#3352022#9032023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#3612021#4352022#3632023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#2702021#2122022#2652023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#2582021#4092022#7082023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3152021#3192022#4772023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#3002021#3262022#3202023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1932021#2742022#6222023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#3272021#4732022#2722023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#4952021#3612022#4112023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#5822021#5862022#5802023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#3972021#3192022#3112023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#2912021#6062022#2622023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#1902019#1302020#2282023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#1742021#2842022#4322023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#3902021#5732022#3752023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3122019#2732020#3592021

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#2332021#2652022#5432023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#682017#1812018#2432019

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3822019#3652020#2802021

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1292015#2132016#2102017

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1192014#922016#1612018

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2102017#2152019#1852020

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#902012#1372013#882014

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#682013#1912014#2182015

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#972019#2002020#2092023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#662015#692016#1532017

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1242014#1432015#902016

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1542019#1192020#1092023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#632010#972014#562016

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#222010#462011#642014

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1922018#1722021#1732022

Popularity Rankings for Alyssa in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#352009#82011#242014

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#912017#822018#752019

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#872020#972021#1382022

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#1402015#1742016#1972017

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#1832015#1612016#1822017

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1982021#1632022#1852023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#1712021#2012022#3432023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#2042021#1862022#3392023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#2072020#1882021#1982022

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2292021#1942022#2762023

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#3772012#3352014#2022015

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#2062021#3542022#2372023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#2552019#2132020#2112021

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#5692016#6582017#5742018

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#9252022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Alyssa a Name for Boys or Girls?

Alyssa is traditionally a feminine name.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Alyssa

Alyssa in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Alyssa Milano (TV Actress, born 1972): An American actress and activist known for her roles in "Who's the Boss?" and "Charmed." She is also a producer and a prominent advocate for women's rights.
  • Alyssa Sutherland (Model and Actress, born 1982): An Australian model and actress known for her work in "Vikings" and as a former face of the beauty brand Garnier.
  • Alyssa Naeher (Soccer Player, born 1988): An American soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for the Chicago Red Stars and the U.S. women's national team, known for her key saves in international competitions.
  • Alyssa Edwards (Reality Star, born 1980): An American drag performer, choreographer, and businessperson, famous for her appearance on "RuPaul's Drag Race."
  • Alyssa Diaz (TV Actress, born 1985): An American actress known for her roles in TV shows like "The Rookie" and "Ray Donovan."
  • Alyssa Reid (Pop Singer, born 1993): A Canadian singer-songwriter known for her hit song "Alone Again" and other chart-topping singles.
  • Alyssa Campanella (Model, born 1990): An American model who was crowned Miss USA in 2011 and has since worked in various fashion campaigns.
  • Alyssa Carson (Astronaut, born 2001): An American astronaut trainee aiming to be one of the first humans to land on Mars.
  • Alyssa Raghu (Pop Singer, born 2002): An American singer who gained fame on "American Idol" and continues to pursue a career in music and acting.
  • Alyssa Trask (Dancer, born 1999): A Canadian dancer and actress known for her performances in the TV series "The Next Step" and "Backstage."
  • Alyssa Jones ("Chasing Amy," 1997 Film): A main character in Kevin Smith’s romantic comedy about love and friendship.
  • Alyssa Ashcroft ("Resident Evil: Outbreak," 2003 Video Game): A journalist and one of the playable characters in the survival horror game.
  • Alyssa Callaway ("It Takes Two," 1995 Film): A character who switches places with her look-alike in this family comedy.
  • Alyssa Ogawa ("Star Trek: The Next Generation," 1987 TV Series): A recurring nurse character who serves on the USS Enterprise.
  • Alyssa Searrs ("My-HiME," 2004 Anime Series): A character in the anime series who is involved in various supernatural events.
  • Alyssa Gardner ("Splintered," 2013 Book Series): The protagonist in A.G. Howard's modern retelling of Alice in Wonderland.
  • Alyssa Shepherd ("Halloween," 2018 Film): A character in the horror movie franchise about Michael Myers.
  • Alyssa ("The End of the F*ing World," 2017 TV Series): A main character in the dark comedy series about two teenagers on a road trip.
  • Alyssa ("The Vampire Diaries," 2009 TV Series): A minor character in the popular supernatural drama series.
  • Alyssa Drive Street (Texas, USA): A residential street in Houston, part of a larger suburban neighborhood.
  • Alyssa Lane Street (Florida, USA): A residential street in Orlando, offering convenient access to local amenities and attractions.

Similar Names to Alyssa

Sibling Names for Alyssa