What does Carrissa mean and where does it come from?
Carrissa is a name with American origins, often considered a modern feminine form of Cara, which is derived from the Latin 'carus', meaning 'beloved'. It gained popularity in the late 20th century, especially in the United States and Australia. The name reflects a warm sentiment, often associated wi
Cultural significance
Carrissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #2180 in 1991 — currently #1074 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Carrissa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Carrissa?
Carrissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Carrissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Carrissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Carrissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Carrissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Carrissa Jane
Literary · strong
Carrissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Carrissa right now?
Holding steady — currently #1074 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1074 | 1,126 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1079 | 1,106 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1084 | 1,076 | ▲ up 12168 · +15271% births |
| 2015 | #13252 | 7 | ▲ up 490 |
| 2010 | #13742 | 7 | ▼ down 4717 · -42% births |
| 2005 | #9025 | 12 | ▼ down 3648 · -43% births |
| 2000 | #5377 | 21 | ▼ down 2053 · -38% births |
| 1995 | #3324 | 34 | ▼ down 491 · -17% births |
| 1990 | #2833 | 41 | ▲ up 864 · +78% births |
| 1985 | #3697 | 23 | ▼ down 414 · -12% births |
| 1980 | #3283 | 26 | ▲ up 2126 · +136% births |
| 1975 | #5409 | 11 | — |
The story of Carrissa
Carrissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1967. With 965 total births recorded, Carrissa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5409 in 1975 to #1074 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Carrissa in 1991:
Carrissa by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 103 | |
| 1980s | 279 | |
| 1990s ★ | 393 | |
| 2000s | 142 | |
| 2010s | 42 | |
💎Carrissa has only 965 total recorded births since 1967 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Carrissa?
What names sound and feel like Carrissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Carrissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Carrissa
What does the name Carrissa mean?
Carrissa means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Carrissa?
Carrissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Carrissa?
Carrissa originates from American tradition. American 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 Carrissa?
Carrissa is a three-syllable name pronounced K AA1 R IH1 S AH0. 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 Carrissa?
Carrissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.