Fun Facts About the Name Ilissa
- 249 babies named Ilissa: U.S. records list 249 babies given the name Ilissa from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Ilissa Mean?
Ilissa is a feminine given name used in English. Its meaning is not securely established. It is usually treated as a spelling variant of Elissa, the classical name of Dido, queen of Carthage; it is sometimes also linked to Alissa or Alyssa, but those names have separate histories and a shared spelling does not prove a shared origin. Elissa is traditionally connected with the Phoenician world through the Dido legend, though its earlier form and meaning are uncertain. Modern name books sometimes explain Elissa as a form of Elizabeth, but that is a later association rather than the ancient name's etymology.
Ilissa Name History & Origins
In Greek and Roman accounts of Carthage, Dido is also called Elissa (Greek Ἔλισσα). Virgil uses the name in the Aeneid, where Dido is the queen who receives Aeneas after his shipwreck. The traditional story makes her a Tyrian princess who fled her homeland and founded Carthage. Elissa has appeared as a given name in English, often with classical or literary associations. Ilissa varies the initial vowel of Elissa; its history is therefore tied to the older name rather than to a separate ancient figure. It is not related to the biblical Hebrew name Elisha.
How Popular is the Name Ilissa?
Ilissa has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 1989. Its best rank was #4,083 in 1986.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | #12,703 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2001 | #14,172 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2000 | #15,959 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1999 | #10,710 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1998 | #15,016 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1996 | #12,403 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1995 | #8,312 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 1994 | #9,095 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1993 | #8,285 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 1992 | #9,011 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1991 | #7,123 | 12 | 0.0006% |
| 1990 | #5,138 | 18 | 0.0009% |
| 1989 | #4,290 | 22 | 0.0012% |
| 1988 | #5,135 | 16 | 0.0009% |
| 1987 | #6,479 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 1986 | #4,083 | 20 | 0.0012% |
| 1985 | #7,162 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1984 | #8,479 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1982 | #11,105 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1981 | #9,512 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1980 | #9,507 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1978 | #7,930 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1973 | #6,918 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1972 | #7,604 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1971 | #4,919 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1970 | #8,453 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1967 | #6,301 | 6 | 0.0004% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Most Popular Girl Names That Start with I
How the Name Ilissa Shapes Your Personality and Life?
Your tendency is to finish whatever you start. You like to use the pen or the needle (writing, fashion design etc). You are loving, compassionate, intuitive and humanitarian. Runs of luck, either good or bad, follow you. You are sympathetic, but at times might be touchy and oversensitive. You may have a gift for writing. You are intuitive and might be interested in the arts, drama or science.
You find the best contentment in life when you own your own home and provide well for your family and loved ones. You have a great sense of responsibility and duty. You are comforting, appreciative and affectionate. Your obligation in life is to hold justice and truth, and if you follow the Law, you can find the great happiness and satisfaction.
✦ Ilissa's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Ilissa's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.