Marissa
Meaning of Marissa
The name Marissa is a beautiful and timeless choice for a baby girl. Pronounced as muh-RISS-uh (/məˈrɪsə/), it has Latin origins and is often associated with the sea, deriving from the word "maris," which means "of the sea." This serene connection to water brings to mind images of calm, tranquil oceans and embodies a sense of peace and grace. Variations of the name include Marisa and Maris, offering slight alternatives while maintaining the same melodic charm.
Marissa enjoyed significant popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, peaking in usage during the 1990s. It reached its highest rank in 1994 when it was the 53rd most popular name for newborn girls. Since then, its popularity has gradually declined, with 137 occurrences in 2023 placing it at rank 1543. Despite this decline, Marissa remains a beloved choice for parents drawn to its classic elegance and gentle sound.
The name carries associations with various notable figures and fictional characters that have contributed to its enduring appeal. Whether chosen for its soothing maritime connotations or its historical popularity, Marissa continues to be a cherished name that exudes sophistication and timeless beauty.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as muh-RISS-uh (/məˈrɪsə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Marissa
| Marissa Ann Mayer is an American business executive and investor known for her leadership at Yahoo! and Google, as well as her co-founding of the startup technology company Sunshine. |
| Marissa Meyer is an American novelist known for her retellings of fairy tales, particularly for her debut novel "Cinder" and The Lunar Chronicles series. |
| Marissa Castelli is a retired American pair skater who achieved the 2017 U.S. national silver medal with her partner Mervin Tran. |
| Marissa Paternoster is a prominent American artist, singer, and guitarist known for her involvement in New Jersey's music scene and her work with bands like Screaming Females and Noun. |
| Marissa Ribisi is an American actress known for her roles in films like Dazed and Confused and The Brady Bunch Movie, as well as appearances on television shows such as Friends and Felicity. |
| Marissa Brandt, also known as Park Yoon-jung, is a Korean-American ice hockey player who competes internationally with the South Korean national team using her birth name. |
| Marissa Webb is a renowned fashion designer and executive, known for her role as the former creative director of Banana Republic. |
| Marissa Lee Neitling is an American actress recognized for her performances in The Last Ship and San Andreas. |
| Marissa Veronica Young is the current head softball coach at Duke University and a prominent figure in American softball. |
| Marissa Petra King is an English gymnast who represented Great Britain at the 2008 Summer Olympics and achieved success in NCAA gymnastics. |
