Honey bee
A variant of the Greek name Melissa, referring to the honey bee. In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who cared for the infant Zeus and discovered the use of honey. This specific spelling variation gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century but remains a rare alternative to the more common Melissa.
Less common today
Malissa isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,146 in 1990.
American actress and producer
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).