Elissa

Origin

Derived from the Greek name 'Elissá,' a form of 'Elisa,' which itself originates from the Hebrew name 'Elisheba,' meaning 'God is my oath.' While 'Elissa' has classical roots in Greek mythology, associated with historical figures like Queen Elissa of Carthage, it came into Western usage through biblical and classical channels. In the context of Australian English, the name 'Elissa' is primarily a modern variation of 'Elise' or 'Elisa,' popularised in English-speaking countries during the 19th and 20th centuries, with no specific indigenous or Aboriginal origins.

Meaning

The literal translation relates to 'God is my oath,' symbolising faithfulness and devotion. In Australian English, it carries connotations of grace, delicacy, and classical elegance, often associated with literary and artistic sensibilities.

Pronunciation

/ɪˈlɪsə/ — stress on the second syllable, with 'i' as in 'sit,' and the final 'a' as in 'sofa.' Australian pronunciation may sometimes soften the 's' to /z/ in informal speech.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 19 June (Feast of Saint Elisha) — recognised in some Christian calendars, though not widely observed in Australia.
• 5 July (Feast of Saint Elisha) — recognized in Eastern Orthodox traditions.
• Māori Matariki celebrations — honouring ancestors and nature's cycles, with culturally significant names sometimes included.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with elissa:

• Charlotte and Elissa
• Ava and Elissa,
• Mia and Elissa,
• Lila and Elissa

Fun Facts

• The name 'Elissa' was popularised in Australian literature through early 20th-century novels and poetry.
• Australian actress Elissa Goodrich gained prominence in the 1980s.
• The name appears in Australian baby name charts consistently ranking within the top 200 for girls in recent years.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name elissa:

• Graceful
• Elegant
• Artistic
• Intelligent

Aesthetic Qualities

Delicate and refined visual qualities, often appreciated in written and artistic contexts, with balanced, symmetrical letterforms that are pleasing to the eye.

Geographical Distribution

More commonly found in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where classical and European-inspired names are popular, but also used across diverse regions due to Australia’s multicultural fabric.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 — often associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thought, fitting for a name that connotes depth and grace in Australian cultural contexts.

Astrological Connections

Linked with the zodiac sign Cancer, which is associated with nurturing, intuition, and home—attributes that align with the gentle, caring qualities often attributed to the name.

Historical Context

Famous figures include Australian actress Elissa Goodrich and singer Elissa Cummins. The name also appears in Australian literature and media, often used to evoke a sense of classical refinement.

Linguistic Adaptability

Easily adaptable across languages, with variants like Elise in French and German, Eliza in English, and Eliska in Czech, maintaining similar phonetic structures.

Famous People Named elissa

• Elissa Goodrich (Actress)
• Elissa Cremonas (Singer)
• Elissa (Lebanese singer popular in Australia)

Popularity in Australia