"grace, kindness"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Karissa
Girl Name
#2,663 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A graceful name from the Greek word for charisma
English
American
Classic
Elegant
Gentle
Modern
Meaning & Origin
"beloved, dear"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
The Story of Karissa
Karissa is a variant of Carissa, derived from the Greek "kharis" (χάρις) meaning "grace" or "kindness." The root kharis is also the source of "charity" and "charisma" in English. The name may also be related to the Latin "carus" meaning "beloved" or "dear."
Karissa and Carissa were most popular in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s as part of a broader trend of names ending in -issa (Melissa, Clarissa, Marissa). Both spellings have declined since then.
The Greek concept of kharis (grace, favor) was central to ancient Greek religion and culture. The Charites (Graces) were the goddesses of charm, beauty, and creativity in Greek mythology — Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia.
Fun Facts
- The word charisma shares its Greek root (kharis) with Karissa
- The Three Graces of Greek mythology personify the qualities embedded in this name: beauty, charm, and creativity
Karissa in Other Languages
Greek
Χάρισσα
French
Carissa
Italian
Carissa
Spanish
Carisa
Famous People Named Karissa
C
Carissa Moore
Athlete
1992
Hawaiian professional surfer and first Olympic women's surfing gold medalist (Tokyo 2020)
K
Karissa Shannon
Other
1989
American model and reality television personality
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,663
- Total SSA Count
- 65
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kari
Rissa
Kris
Pairs Well With
Karissa Lynn
Karissa Marie
Karissa Anne
Karissa Grace
Karissa Nicole
Karissa Dawn
Karissa Hope
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Karissa
What does the name Karissa mean?
"grace, kindness" (from Greek). "beloved, dear" (from Latin). Karissa is a variant of Carissa, derived from the Greek "kharis" (χάρις) meaning "grace" or "kindness." The root kharis is also the source of "charity" and "charisma" in English. The name may also be related to the Latin "carus" meaning "beloved" or "dear."
What is the origin of the name Karissa?
Karissa has Greek, Latin, English, and American origins. In Greek, it means "grace, kindness". In Latin, it means "beloved, dear".
Is Karissa a boy or girl name?
Karissa is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Karissa?
Karissa is currently ranked #2663 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Karissa?
Common nicknames for Karissa include Kari, Rissa, and Kris.
What are good middle names for Karissa?
Popular middle name pairings include Karissa Lynn, Karissa Marie, Karissa Anne, Karissa Grace, Karissa Nicole, Karissa Dawn, and Karissa Hope.
What are good sibling names for Karissa?
Names that pair well with Karissa as siblings include Marissa, Brianna, Ryan, Tyler, Melissa, Jordan, and Calista.
How many syllables does Karissa have?
Karissa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Karissa a common or rare name?
Karissa is an uncommon name, ranked #2663 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Karissa
Karissa is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "grace, kindness" in Greek .
Karissa is currently ranked #2,663 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Karissa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Karissa include Kari, Rissa, and Kris. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Karissa include Karina, Kari, Karis, Kariyah, Karime . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.