Although preferring Elizabeth I am drawn towards Elissa, especially as it comes from ancient mythology as an alternative name for Queen Dido.
Some people seem to think it's been supplanted by Alyssa, and has been relegated to the "has-been" pile, but I still like to think Elissa has a bright future and is still usable.
I pronounce it like Melissa minus the M but I think a long E might be the correct original pronunciation on the first syllable.
To my surprise, I've seen Elissa's pronunciation given as eh-lee-sa on some sites. I just don't get this.
I've also seen comments by people called Elissa that strangers, teachers, etc, seem unsure of how to pronounce their name and often mangle it, and that it's therefore a name that drives those bearers nuts.
So - WDYT of Elissa and how do YOU pronounce it?
This message was edited 10/11/2008, 12:22 PM