The name Alissa is of Greek origin and its meaning is "joyful". It is also a variation of the Latin name Alice which means "noble" or "exalted".
The name Alissa first appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages, but it was not until the late 19th century that it began to gain popularity. It is believed that the name Alissa may have originated from the Germanic name Adelheidis, which means "noble and kind".
Today, Alissa is considered a modern and stylish name for girls. It is often spelled in various ways such as Allison, Alyssa or Alissa, but its meaning remains the same: joyful. Despite its popularity, Alissa is still a unique and distinctive name that stands out from more common names like Emily or Sarah.
In literature, one of the most famous characters named Alissa is the main protagonist in the novel "The Princess Academy" by Shannon Hale. In this story, Alissa is a young girl who dreams of becoming a princess, but must first prove herself through competition and hard work.
Overall, the name Alissa has a beautiful meaning and an interesting history behind it. Its popularity may have ebbed and flowed over time, but its significance as a name that signifies joy remains constant.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Allisa has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States. From just 10 births in 1960, the number of babies named Allisa steadily grew, reaching its peak in 1998 with 56 births.
The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a turning point for the name Allisa's popularity. Between 1979 and 1982, there were consistently around 20-25 births each year. This trend continued into the 1990s, with over 40 babies named Allisa born annually between 1993 and 1998.
However, since its peak in 1998, the popularity of the name Allisa has decreased significantly. Between 2005 and 2016, there were less than 20 births each year with the name Allisa. This downward trend has continued into recent years, with only 5 births recorded in 2014.
In total, over the span of these statistics from 1960 to 2015, there have been 1340 babies named Allisa born in the United States. Despite its decline in popularity recently, Allisa remains a name with a notable history and presence in American culture.