Nyssa, a female name pronounced NEE-sah in Greek and NIS-uh in English, feels like a whisper of ancient legend and fresh spring air all at once. With roots in Greek mythology—where Nyssa was a nymph of hidden waterfalls and the name of a verdant mountain linked to young Dionysus—it carries an undercurrent of mystery and natural beauty. It even blossoms in the botanical world as the genus of the tupelo tree, whose fiery autumn leaves speak to transformation and new beginnings. Though charmingly uncommon, Nyssa has tip-toed into the U.S. top 1,000 (ranking No. 938 in 2024 with just 12 tiny trailblazers), making it perfect for parents who want something both timeless and delightfully rare. If you’re seeking a name that’s equal parts mythic and modern, Nyssa might just be the secret garden you’ve been searching for.