What does Karissa mean and where does it come from?
Karissa is a modern name that originated from the Greek name 'Charis' (Χάρις), meaning 'grace' or 'kindness'. The name became popular in the United States during the late 20th century and has variations like Karis and Carissa. Notable people include Karissa Shannon, an American television personalit
Cultural significance
Karissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in America-speaking communities, where it reflects values of grace.
Peak popularity
Reached #306 in 1991 — currently #2915 in the US.
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Related Reading
America-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Karissa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Karissa?
Karissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Karissa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Karissa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Karissa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Karissa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Karissa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Karissa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Karissa right now?
Falling — down 292 spots — currently #2915 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2915 | 58 | ▼ down 292 · -13% births |
| 2024 | #2623 | 67 | ▲ up 118 · +6% births |
| 2023 | #2741 | 63 | ▼ down 239 · -12% births |
| 2022 | #2502 | 72 | ▼ down 74 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #2428 | 74 | ▼ down 605 · -31% births |
| 2020 | #1823 | 107 | ▼ down 564 · -45% births |
| 2015 | #1259 | 194 | ▼ down 522 · -49% births |
| 2010 | #737 | 378 | ▼ down 138 · -20% births |
| 2005 | #599 | 474 | ▼ down 165 · -27% births |
| 2000 | #434 | 649 | ▼ down 71 · -10% births |
| 1995 | #363 | 721 | ▼ down 50 · -17% births |
| 1990 | #313 | 871 | ▲ up 228 · +137% births |
| 1985 | #541 | 368 | ▲ up 228 · +71% births |
| 1980 | #769 | 215 | ▲ up 457 · +129% births |
| 1975 | #1226 | 94 | — |
The story of Karissa
Karissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1961. A total of 19,736 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3935 in 1965 to #2741 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Karissa in 1991:
Karissa by decade
Karissa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 122 | |
| 1970s | 987 | |
| 1980s | 3,808 | |
| 1990s ★ | 7,447 | |
| 2000s | 5,091 | |
| 2010s | 2,174 | |
| 2020s | 232 | |
What are good nicknames for Karissa?
What names sound and feel like Karissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karissa also consider these
How is Karissa written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Karissa?
Common questions about the name Karissa
What does the name Karissa mean?
Karissa means "grace" — a name rooted in America 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 Karissa?
Karissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Karissa?
Karissa originates from America tradition. America 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 Karissa?
Karissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar America heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Karissa a common or rare name?
Karissa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.