If You Like Melissa, You Might Love...
Melissa is a favorite girls' name from the 80s and 90s that at this point is overused. Here are some possible substitutes.
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Alexa
Alexa -- the simple and most feminine form of the Alexandra-Alexis group -- has retained its staying power. It entered the popularity list in 1973, and has been hovering around Number 50 for most... Read More
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Amarissa
Amarissa is kind of cobbled together from two traditional elements: Ama, which means "love" or "lover" and is found in such more established names as Amabel and Amariah, and -issa, which is a... Read More
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Anissa
A pretty and delicate cousin of Anna is often heard in Scotland and is also currently popular in France. In the US it was brought to public attention by child actress Anissa Jones, who played... Read More
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Carissa
Trending down, along with others of both the Car and the issa groups. Read More
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Eliana
Eliana is a lilting, rhythmic choice, which has begun to catch on here along with many other El-starting names; it is now in the top 100 and rising. One celebrity who chose it for his daughter is... Read More
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Eliza
Eliza is one of our favorite names; we love its combination of streamlined modernity and Eliza Doolittle charm and spunk, and offer Eliza as one of our top recommendations.
That... Read More -
Francesca
Francesca is a lighter and much more feminine choice than the classic Frances, and one that is increasingly popular with upscale parents.
Francesca made an appearance in Dante's... Read More -
Juliana
Long common in Europe, the elegant and regal Juliana, also spelled with two n's, has invaded these shores, in tandem with the more classic Julia. There were several early Saint Julianas and Queen... Read More
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Larissa
Larissa is a nymph name that's daintily pretty and a fresh alternative to Melissa or Alyssa. Though this is the more common variation in the Western World, the original is actually Larisa. ... Read More
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Lissa
Lissa might be an abbreviation of Melissa, but it's more substantial in its own right: Lissa is the name of a supreme mother goddess in African mythology and an Arabic symbol of rebirth. Read More
