Alyssa
/ə.ˈlɪs.ə/
Alyssa is a variant of Alicia, itself a Latinised form of Alice, from the Old French Alis and the Germanic Adalheidis meaning “noble.” The spelling was influenced by the alyssum flower, from Greek a- (“without”) and lyssa (“madness”).
The name appeared in the 1960s and climbed rapidly through the 1980s. Its combination of a classic root and a fresh spelling captured the era’s naming sensibility.
Alyssa ranked No. 399 in 2024 with 793 births. It peaked at No. 11 in 1998 with 13,709 births, one of the most popular names of the late 1990s.
What the name Alyssa means
Actress Alyssa Milano, star of Who’s the Boss? and Charmed, was a primary driver of the name’s surge. Her visibility spanned from the 1980s through the 2000s.
Three syllables - uh-LIS-uh - flow easily. The name feels polished but unpretentious, fitting comfortably in any social setting.
Though past its peak, Alyssa remains a well-recognised choice. Its floral connection and noble meaning give it lasting substance.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Alyssa
Alyssa - similar names
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