Elyssa
Girl name · 17 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Elyssa: 17 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 2010.
Elyssa is a modern, melodic variant of Elissa, the Greek form of the Phoenician name of Dido, the legendary queen and founder of Carthage, whose story is immortalised in Virgil’s *Aeneid*. It can also be seen as a graceful spelling twist on Alyssa, from the Greek *alyssos* meaning “without madness,” referring to the alyssum flower once believed to cure insanity. While no famous bearers immediately come to mind, the name shares its root with the biblical Elisheba, giving it a quiet link to the classic Elizabeth. In Scotland, Elyssa remains a rare but increasingly lovely choice for parents seeking a name that feels both timeless and fresh, with a soft, lyrical sound that pairs well with many surnames.
Girl 5 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20104 babies
- Latest (2014)
- #6814 babies
- Total births
- 17since 2000
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y