Meaning and history
Melisende is the Old French form of Millicent. It ultimately comes from Germanic elements meaning “work” or “labour” and “strong,” giving a sense such as “strong in work.” The name was borne by Melisende, twelfth-century queen regnant of Jerusalem, an influential patron of art and the church. Her reign gives the name substantial Crusader-era significance. The French literary form Mélisande is related. Modern real-life bearers are uncommon.