"grace, kindness"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Carissa
Pronunciation: [ k-ahr-EES-uh ]
Girl Name
#3,462 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A graceful name with Greek roots and botanical charm
English
American
Italian
Elegant
Classic
Feminine
Gentle
Meaning & Origin
"beloved, dear"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
The Story of Carissa
Carissa likely derives from the Greek charis meaning grace, kindness, or beauty, the same root as Charis, Charity, and the word charisma. It may alternatively be an elaboration of the Latin cara meaning beloved or dear. The name also refers to Carissa, a genus of fragrant tropical shrubs with white star-shaped flowers native to Africa and Asia, giving the name an unexpected botanical dimension. The -issa ending was fashionable in Italian and Latin naming patterns.
Carissa entered American naming consciousness in the 1960s-1970s and peaked in the 1980s-1990s, fitting the era's love of names ending in -issa (Melissa, Marissa, Clarissa). It maintains steady use as a classic yet underutilized name.
Carissa carries the elegant weight of classical Greek naming while feeling accessible and modern. Its botanical connection to the fragrant Carissa shrub adds a nature-inspired quality, and the Greek root charis connects it to the concepts of divine grace and beauty.
Fun Facts
- The Greek root charis is the source of the words charity, charisma, and Eucharist
- Carissa is also the name of a genus of fragrant flowering shrubs widely used in tropical gardens
Carissa in Other Languages
Greek
Χάρισσα
French
Carissa
Italian
Carissa
Spanish
Carisa
Famous People Named Carissa
C
Carissa Moore
Athlete
1992
American professional surfer from Hawaii, multiple World Surf League Champion and Olympic gold medalist at Tokyo 2020
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,462
- Total SSA Count
- 45
- Cultural Origins
- English American Italian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Cari
Rissa
Pairs Well With
Carissa Anne
Carissa Marie
Carissa Nicole
Carissa Grace
Carissa Lynn
Carissa Renee
Carissa Belle
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Carissa is also used as a boy name, ranked #13586.
View Carissa as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Carissa
What does the name Carissa mean?
"grace, kindness" (from Greek). "beloved, dear" (from Latin). Carissa likely derives from the Greek charis meaning grace, kindness, or beauty, the same root as Charis, Charity, and the word charisma. It may alternatively be an elaboration of the Latin cara meaning beloved or dear. The name also refers to Carissa, a genus of fragrant tropical shrubs with white star-shaped flowers native to Africa and Asia, giving the name an unexpected botanical dimension. The -issa ending was fashionable in Italian and Latin naming patterns.
What is the origin of the name Carissa?
Carissa has Greek, Latin, English, American, and Italian origins. In Greek, it means "grace, kindness". In Latin, it means "beloved, dear".
Is Carissa a boy or girl name?
Carissa is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3462. As a boy name, it is ranked #13586. Carissa is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Carissa?
Carissa is pronounced k-ahr-EES-uh.
How popular is the name Carissa?
Carissa is currently ranked #3462 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Carissa?
Common nicknames for Carissa include Cari and Rissa.
What are good middle names for Carissa?
Popular middle name pairings include Carissa Anne, Carissa Marie, Carissa Nicole, Carissa Grace, Carissa Lynn, Carissa Renee, and Carissa Belle.
What are good sibling names for Carissa?
Names that pair well with Carissa as siblings include Marissa, Clarissa, Melissa, Sebastian, Elias, Serena, and Adriana.
How many syllables does Carissa have?
Carissa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Carissa a common or rare name?
Carissa is an uncommon name, ranked #3462 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Carissa
Carissa is a girl name with English, American, and Italian origins . The name means "grace, kindness" in Greek .
Is Carissa a boy or girl name? Carissa is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,462 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #13,586. Carissa is more commonly used as a girl name.
Carissa is currently ranked #3,462 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Carissa has 3 syllables and is pronounced k-ahr-EES-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Carissa include Cari and Rissa. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Carissa include Carina . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.