"beautiful sand"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Misa
Pronunciation: [ m-EEZ-uh ]
Misa is a girl name of Japanese origin meaning "beautiful sand." Ranked #10,117 in the US, popular nicknames include Mi and Mimi.
A serene name that bridges East and West
Japanese
Croatian
Korean
Delicate
International
Serene
Feminine
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"who is like God"
Origin: Hebrew via Slavic
Language: Croatian
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Misa
Misa is a multicultural gem with distinct meanings across languages. In Japanese, it is written with characters meaning beautiful sand or beautiful temple, evoking serene shorelines and sacred spaces. In Croatian and South Slavic languages, Misa is a diminutive of Mihael (Michael), meaning who is like God. This cross-cultural presence makes it a truly international choice.
Misa gained international recognition partly through the Death Note manga character Misa Amane, which introduced the name to Western audiences and boosted its appeal among anime fans globally.
In Japan, the name carries elegant visual imagery through its kanji characters, while its presence in Slavic and Asian cultures demonstrates how certain sound combinations resonate across linguistic boundaries.
Historical Record
Misa first appeared in US Social Security records in 1968.
Over 751 babies have been named Misa in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Misa is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #10,117 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Misa Amane is a beloved character in the Death Note anime and manga series
- The Japanese kanji for Misa can mean beautiful sand or beautiful help
Misa in Other Languages
German
Misa
Korean
미사
Croatian
Misa
Japanese
美沙
Popularity Over Time
#10,117
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Misa
M
Misa Campo
Other
1990
Canadian model and social media personality
M
Misa Amane Fictional
Other
Iconic character from the Death Note manga and anime series
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #10,117
- Total SSA Count
- 11
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese Croatian Korean
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mi
Mimi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, international style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Misa
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Japanese)
Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Misa
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Frequently Asked Questions About Misa
What does the name Misa mean?
"beautiful sand" (from Japanese). "who is like God" (from Hebrew via Slavic). Misa is a multicultural gem with distinct meanings across languages. In Japanese, it is written with characters meaning beautiful sand or beautiful temple, evoking serene shorelines and sacred spaces. In Croatian and South Slavic languages, Misa is a diminutive of Mihael (Michael), meaning who is like God. This cross-cultural presence makes it a truly international choice.
What is the origin of the name Misa?
Misa has Japanese, Hebrew via Slavic, Croatian, and Korean origins. In Japanese, it means "beautiful sand". In Hebrew via Slavic, it means "who is like God".
Is Misa a boy or girl name?
Misa is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Misa?
Misa is pronounced m-EEZ-uh.
How popular is the name Misa?
Misa is currently ranked #10117 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Misa?
Common nicknames for Misa include Mimi.
What are good middle names for Misa?
Popular middle name pairings include Misa Rose, Misa Lynn, Misa Nicole, Misa Rae, and Misa Joy.
What are good sibling names for Misa?
Names that pair well with Misa as siblings include Hana, Yuki, Kira, and Sora.
How many syllables does Misa have?
Misa has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Misa a common or rare name?
Misa is an uncommon name, ranked #10117 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Misa
Misa is a girl name with Japanese, Croatian, and Korean origins . The name means "beautiful sand" in Japanese .
Misa is currently ranked #10,117 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Misa has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-EEZ-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Misa include Mi and Mimi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Misa include Misk, Misha, Misty, Mishika . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis