Carissa is a modern take on Charis and Charissa. It has the same ancient Greek origins, translating to “grace” and “kindness” in English. As of 2021, Carissa remains relatively rare, as it is only on the top 4,500 list.
Meaning of the name Carissa:
Greek: grace, kindness
Origin of the name Carissa:
Carissa originated as a spelling variation of Charissa. Charissa was the elaborated version of Charis. It became popular because of a character in Edmund Spencer's “The Faerie Queene,” written in 1590. Charis is a greek baby name and the feminine form of Chares. Chares comes from the Greek word “charis,” meaning “grace” or “kindness.”
Symbolism of the name Carissa:
Carissa dates back to the ancient Greek name Charis. Charis is the feminine version of Chares, though both come from the word “charis.” “Charis” translates to “grace” or “kindness” in English.
Style of the name Carissa:
Classical
Gender of the name Carissa:
Carissa is a wholesome name for girls.
Pronunciation of the name Carissa:
kuh-RIS-uh
Number of syllables in the name Carissa:
Three
Emotion evoked from the name Carissa:
Carissa is a noble and wholesome name for girls. It is refined and youthful.
Alternative spellings for the name Carissa:
Nicknames for the name Carissa:
- Caris
- Rissa
- Issa
- Ari
- Carie
- Cari
- Car Car
Popularity of the name Carissa:
Carissa was first on the Social Security Popularity Index in 1970 at rank 826. It stayed on the top 1,000 list until 2012 at number 958. Carissa ranked highest in 1992 at 240. As of 2021, it is a top 4,500 option at rank 4,411.
Related names for the name Carissa:
Great middle names for Carissa and their meanings:
- Grace (God's grace)
- Celeste (heavenly, celestial)
- Lenore (light)
- Elise (my God is an oath)
- Claire (clear, light, bright)
- Marie (star of the sea)
- Julietta (youthful, Jove's child)
- Noelle (Christmas day)
Famous people with the name Carissa:
- Carissa Moore (surfer)
- Carissa Blair (Miss Texas from 1999)
- Carissa Capobianco (actress, “Dance of the Dead”)
- Carissa Alvarado (musician from Us the Duo)
- Carissa Rosario (model, actress, “Ride Sweet Die Slow”)
Carissas in popular culture:
- Carissa Carr (character from “Transformers” comics)
- “Carissa” (song title from Sun Kil Moon)