"grace, kindness"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Carissa
Pronunciation: [ k-ahr-EES-uh ]
Does Carissa flow with your last name?
A graceful name with Greek roots and botanical charm
English
American
Italian
Elegant
Classic
Feminine
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Carissa
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Meaning & Origin
"beloved, dear"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Carissa first appeared in US Social Security records in 1952.
Over 28,395 babies have been named Carissa in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Carissa is past its peak , currently ranked #3,462 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#3,462
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1992
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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
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See all →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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Carissa
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Carissa is also used as a boy name, ranked #13586.
View Carissa as a boy name →Similar Names
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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.
What girl names are similar to Carissa?
Are there other spellings for Carissa?
Related spellings include Carina.
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.
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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