The Myth Behind Anna And Melissa’s Names: A Tale Of Two Sisters

In the quiet suburban neighborhoods of North Texas lie two cities whose origins remain a fascinating historical mystery: Anna and Melissa. 

Both towns, nestled in Collin and Fannin counties, have long been linked by a tale of two sisters. But, as with many local legends, the truth behind the naming of these cities is more elusive than it seems. 

The Stories Behind The Names

The widely circulated story suggests that the cities were named after a pair of sisters — daughters of prominent railroad executives from the early to mid-1800s. 

According to Anna Public Affairs Manager Frances La Rue, one version of the story credits C.P. Huntington, a railroad tycoon, for naming the towns after his two daughters, Anna and Melissa. This narrative has been embraced by many, with its charming image of a father honoring his daughters through the very towns that would bear their names. 

However, another theory, mentioned in A Town Named Anna by historian Chester Howell, attributes the names to George Quinlan, a high-ranking official with the Houston and Texas Central Railway, who may have chosen to name the towns after his own daughters, also named Anna and Melissa. This alternate version adds yet another layer of intrigue, as some local historians debate whether these daughters were indeed the inspiration for the cities’ names.

The city of Melissa’s website acknowledges both accounts, stating that "sources disagree as to the origin of the name of the town" while referencing the Huntington and Quinlan stories.

Yet another theory suggests a more local origin for Anna’s name. According to this account, Anna was named after Anna Greer, the first child born in the town and the daughter of one of the area’s earliest settlers. 

“Interestingly, some speculate that Anna Greer may have been born Anna Quinlan, potentially linking multiple theories together,” La Rue told Local Profile. 

The final theory, which has been debunked, suggests that the two cities were named after another Collin County town. According to the myth, Anna and Melissa were named after William Van Alstyne’s daughters. William and Maria had three children — Maria Louisa, Mary Ashley and Albert — but not Melissa or Anna.

What Is The Real Story

Unfortunately, according to La Rue, the real story isn’t exactly clear. “As you can see, the waters are a bit muddy, but the sisters' myth likely stems from the version that both towns were named by a proud railroad father after his daughters,” La Rue said. “Whether that father was Huntington or Quinlan is still up for debate. And while we haven’t found a definitive source confirming that one city was named for a Quinlan daughter and the other for a Huntington daughter, we haven’t seen anything that rules that out, either.”

Whether the connection to the two sisters is purely myth or based in truth, it serves as a poignant reminder of the longstanding history of North Texas. What is certain is that Anna and Melissa have both grown into vibrant communities with rich histories of their own. Whether the true origin of their names is ever uncovered or not, these towns will forever carry the story of two cities, two families and the legend of two sisters.

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