The name Melissa originates from the Greek word μέλισσα (mélissa), meaning "bee", which itself derives from μέλι (meli), meaning "honey". In Greek mythology, Melissa was a nymph who discovered and taught the use of honey, and from whom bees were believed to have received their name. She was one of the nymph nurses of Zeus, sister to Amaltheia, and fed him honey instead of milk. The name has been used in English since the 18th century and has various variant forms such as Malissa, Melesa, Melessa...