What does Cherissa mean and where does it come from?
Cherissa is a modern name that is popular in the United States. It is often considered a feminine variant of Charis, which is derived from Greek, meaning 'grace' or 'kindness'. The name Cherissa has seen usage primarily in the late 20th century and continues to be a relatively uncommon name today.
Cultural significance
Cherissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of the name charis, meaning grace..
Peak popularity
Reached #4944 in 1980 — currently #1458 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cherissa?
Cherissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cherissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cherissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cherissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cherissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Cherissa Jane
Literary · strong
Cherissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cherissa right now?
Holding steady — currently #1458 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1458 | 742 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1463 | 722 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1468 | 692 | ▲ up 10539 · +11433% births |
| 1990 | #12007 | 6 | ▼ down 3133 · -14% births |
| 1985 | #8874 | 7 | ▼ down 3930 · -53% births |
| 1980 | #4944 | 15 | — |
The story of Cherissa
Cherissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 161 total births recorded, Cherissa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4944 in 1980 to #1458 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cherissa in 1980:
Cherissa by decade
Cherissa peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 44 | |
| 1980s ★ | 93 | |
| 1990s | 19 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
💎Cherissa has only 161 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Cherissa?
Common
CheCherCherieCheryIssa
What names sound and feel like Cherissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cherissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Cherissa
What does the name Cherissa mean?
Cherissa means "A variant of the name Charis, meaning grace." — 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 Cherissa?
Cherissa 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 Cherissa?
Cherissa 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 Cherissa?
Cherissa is a three-syllable name pronounced SH EH1 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 Cherissa?
Cherissa 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.