What does Lisa mean and where does it come from?
Lisa is a short form of Elizabeth, originating from the Hebrew name 'Elisheva' (אֱלִישֶׁבַע). The name became popular in the 20th century, especially in the United States, and has remained a common name since. It has numerous cultural references, including songs, television characters, and public fi
Cultural significance
Lisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is my oath.
Peak popularity
Reached #1 in 1962 — currently #851 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Lisa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Lisa?
Lisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Lisa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Lisa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Lisa Claire
French influence · crisp
Lisa Jane
Literary · strong
Lisa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Lisa right now?
Rising fast — up 81 spots — currently #851 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #851 | 315 | ▲ up 81 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #932 | 290 | ▲ up 94 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #1026 | 248 | ▲ up 25 · +6% births |
| 2020 | #1051 | 235 | ▼ down 296 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #755 | 373 | ▼ down 43 · -6% births |
| 2010 | #712 | 396 | ▼ down 219 · -36% births |
| 2005 | #493 | 619 | ▼ down 198 · -43% births |
| 2000 | #295 | 1,087 | ▼ down 151 · -51% births |
| 1995 | #144 | 2,237 | ▼ down 80 · -58% births |
| 1990 | #64 | 5,345 | ▼ down 28 · -41% births |
| 1985 | #36 | 9,016 | ▼ down 20 · -42% births |
| 1980 | #16 | 15,661 | ▼ down 8 · -14% births |
| 1975 | #8 | 18,134 | ▼ down 6 · -53% births |
| 1970 | #2 | 38,963 | ▼ down 1 · -35% births |
| 1965 | #1 | 60,269 | — |
The story of Lisa
Lisa has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. It reached the #1 spot in 1962, making it the most popular girl name in America that year. Over 969K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2009 in 1905 to #851 in 2023. Lisa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Lisa in 1962:
Lisa by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 6 | |
| 1890s | 12 | |
| 1900s | 21 | |
| 1910s | 120 | |
| 1920s | 180 | |
| 1930s | 446 | |
| 1940s | 2,726 | |
| 1950s | 95,998 | |
| 1960s ★ | 498,271 | |
| 1970s | 229,489 | |
| 1980s | 103,026 | |
| 1990s | 27,498 | |
| 2000s | 7,031 | |
| 2010s | 3,518 | |
| 2020s | 235 | |
What are good nicknames for Lisa?
ENGLISH
LeannaLianaLibbieLibbyLilliaLisetteLysette
Famous people named Lisa
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Lisa (Norse explorer)
Lisa carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
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Lisa (Germanic saint)
Lisa spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
L(
Lisa (medieval German ruler)
Lisa bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
L(
Lisa (Norse explorer)
Lisa carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Lisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Lisa also consider these
How is Lisa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Lisa
What does the name Lisa mean?
Lisa means "God is my oath" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Lisa?
Lisa is currently ranked #851 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Lisa have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Lisa?
Lisa originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Lisa?
Lisa is a two-syllable name pronounced L IY1 S AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Lisa trending right now?
Lisa is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.