Totally. I pronounce it eh-LISS-a. There's a girl in
Anna's Girl
Scout troop with the name. Her family is originally from Puerto
Rico so they pronounce it eh-LEES-a. In fact, it took me awhile to realize her name wasn't
Elisa! Anyway, I think if you live in a predominantly English-speaking culture, it would likely be pronounced eh-LISS-a.
BTW, I agree with you in that I like
Elissa's ancient history too.