What does Alisa mean and where does it come from?
Alisa has its roots in Hebrew and variations in other languages, especially Russian. It has been popularized by various literary works, including Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. The name exudes a sense of joy and high social standing.
Cultural significance
Alisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of great happiness.
Peak popularity
Reached #262 in 1969 — currently #1378 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Alisa?
Alisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alisa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Alisa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Alisa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Alisa Claire
French influence · crisp
Alisa Jane
Literary · strong
Alisa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Alisa right now?
Declining — down 11 spots — currently #1378 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1378 | 163 | ▼ down 11 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #1367 | 170 | ▼ down 131 · -11% births |
| 2021 | #1236 | 190 | ▼ down 13 · +3% births |
| 2020 | #1223 | 185 | ▼ down 189 · -28% births |
| 2015 | #1034 | 258 | ▼ down 104 · -7% births |
| 2010 | #930 | 278 | ▼ down 178 · -22% births |
| 2005 | #752 | 356 | ▼ down 141 · -14% births |
| 2000 | #611 | 415 | ▼ down 54 · -1% births |
| 1995 | #557 | 419 | ▼ down 98 · -21% births |
| 1990 | #459 | 533 | ▼ down 14 · +8% births |
| 1985 | #445 | 492 | ▼ down 71 · -21% births |
| 1980 | #374 | 621 | ▼ down 12 · +8% births |
| 1975 | #362 | 576 | ▼ down 97 · -50% births |
| 1970 | #265 | 1,154 | ▲ up 23 · +25% births |
| 1965 | #288 | 925 | — |
The story of Alisa
Alisa entered American naming records in 1945 and has been in use for over 79 years. A total of 33,918 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4505 in 1945 to #1378 in 2023. Alisa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Alisa in 1969:
Alisa by decade
Alisa peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 44 | |
| 1950s | 1,941 | |
| 1960s ★ | 8,426 | |
| 1970s | 7,603 | |
| 1980s | 5,216 | |
| 1990s | 4,423 | |
| 2000s | 3,540 | |
| 2010s | 2,540 | |
| 2020s | 185 | |
What are good nicknames for Alisa?
AFRICAN AMERICAN
KalishaTalisha
ANCIENT GERMANIC
AdelaAdelina
Famous people named Alisa
A(
Alisa (historical community leader)
Alisa led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
A(
Alisa (historical figure)
Alisa bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Alisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alisa also consider these
How is Alisa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Alisa
What does the name Alisa mean?
Alisa means "great happiness" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Alisa?
Alisa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Alisa?
Alisa originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Alisa?
Alisa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Alisa a common or rare name?
Alisa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.