Elissa

Elissa has two distinct name histories. In modern English use, it can be a form of Elisa and therefore belong to the Elizabeth family, traditionally interpreted as “my God is an oath.” In classical tradition, Elissa is another name for Dido, the legendary founder and queen of Carthage, with a separate and uncertain deeper origin.

These two routes give families different ways to connect with the same spelling. One may be a tribute to an Elizabeth or Elisa, while another may come from ancient literature and the story of Carthage. The doubled s distinguishes Elissa from Elisa on the page, but the intended family or literary connection is what makes its meaning clearest.