What does Carissa mean and where does it come from?
Carissa is a feminine name that can have its roots in the Greek word 'kharis', meaning grace, or it might be derived from the modern English adaptation of name roots related to 'Christina'. It became popular in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, gaining attention through its usage
Cultural significance
Carissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #240 in 1992 — currently #3349 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Carissa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Carissa?
Carissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Carissa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Carissa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Carissa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Carissa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Carissa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Carissa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Carissa right now?
Rising fast — up 119 spots — currently #3349 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3349 | 46 | ▲ up 119 · +2% births |
| 2024 | #3468 | 45 | ▼ down 2966 · -97% births |
| 2023 | #502 | 1,698 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #507 | 1,678 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #512 | 1,648 | ▲ up 1540 · +1752% births |
| 2020 | #2052 | 89 | ▼ down 640 · -46% births |
| 2015 | #1412 | 164 | ▼ down 583 · -49% births |
| 2010 | #829 | 324 | ▼ down 251 · -35% births |
| 2005 | #578 | 497 | ▼ down 165 · -27% births |
| 2000 | #413 | 685 | ▼ down 84 · -16% births |
| 1995 | #329 | 818 | ▼ down 72 · -26% births |
| 1990 | #257 | 1,106 | ▲ up 69 · +52% births |
| 1985 | #326 | 730 | ▲ up 6 · +1% births |
| 1980 | #332 | 725 | ▲ up 223 · +135% births |
| 1975 | #555 | 308 | — |
The story of Carissa
Carissa entered American naming records in 1949 and has been in use for over 75 years. A total of 28,181 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4337 in 1955 to #502 in 2023. Carissa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Carissa in 1992:
Carissa by decade
Carissa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 71 | |
| 1960s | 505 | |
| 1970s | 3,635 | |
| 1980s | 7,638 | |
| 1990s ★ | 8,820 | |
| 2000s | 5,566 | |
| 2010s | 1,852 | |
| 2020s | 180 | |
What are good nicknames for Carissa?
What names sound and feel like Carissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Carissa also consider these
How is Carissa written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Carissa?
Common questions about the name Carissa
What does the name Carissa mean?
Carissa means "pure" — a name rooted in English 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 Carissa?
Carissa is currently ranked #502 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Carissa?
Carissa originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Carissa?
Carissa is a three-syllable name pronounced kah-REE-suh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Carissa?
Carissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.