melissa

melissa · noun¹

1. Ancient Greek · derived fromμέλισσα“bee”
2. Late Latin · derived frommelissa
3. English todaymelissa

From Late Latin melissa, from Ancient Greek μέλισσα (mélissa, “bee”), because the plant attracts bees.

Melissa · proper noun²

1. Ancient Greek · derived fromμέλισσα“bee, honey, or honeybee”
2. English todayMelissa

From Ancient Greek μέλισσα (mélissa, “bee, honey, or honeybee”). In Ireland it is sometimes used as a feminine form of the Gaelic male name Maol Íosa (literally “servant of Jesus”).

Words from the same roots