What does Kerissa mean and where does it come from?
Kerissa is a relatively contemporary name, primarily used in the United States. It may be derived from the name 'Kerry' or 'Charis,' the latter having Greek origins meaning 'grace' or 'kindness'. The name gained popularity in the late 20th century and is often considered a blend or variation of othe
Cultural significance
Kerissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a modern invented name; possibly derived from 'kerry' or 'charis', meaning 'grace'.
Peak popularity
Reached #3764 in 1994 — currently #16807 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kerissa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kerissa?
Kerissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kerissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kerissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kerissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kerissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Kerissa Jane
Literary · strong
Kerissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kerissa right now?
Falling — down 4139 spots — currently #16807 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2010 | #13822 | 7 | ▼ down 4139 · -36% births |
| 2005 | #9683 | 11 | ▼ down 3870 · -42% births |
| 2000 | #5813 | 19 | ▼ down 1036 · -10% births |
| 1995 | #4777 | 21 | ▲ up 442 · +17% births |
| 1990 | #5219 | 18 | ▲ up 1601 · +80% births |
| 1985 | #6820 | 10 | ▼ down 1864 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #4956 | 15 | ▲ up 2182 · +88% births |
| 1975 | #7138 | 8 | — |
The story of Kerissa
Kerissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 502 total births recorded, Kerissa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7138 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13822 in 2010.
Names that peaked alongside Kerissa in 1994:
Kerissa by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 32 | |
| 1980s | 125 | |
| 1990s ★ | 190 | |
| 2000s | 127 | |
| 2010s | 28 | |
💎Kerissa has only 502 total recorded births since 1975 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kerissa?
What names sound and feel like Kerissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kerissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Kerissa
What does the name Kerissa mean?
Kerissa means "A modern invented name; possibly derived from 'Kerry' or '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 Kerissa?
Kerissa 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 Kerissa?
Kerissa 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 Kerissa?
Kerissa is a three-syllable name pronounced K ER1 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 Kerissa?
Kerissa 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.