What does Marisa mean and where does it come from?
Marisa has gained popularity as a standalone name since the mid-20th century, especially in Italy and Spanish-speaking countries. It is often used as an affectionate term or a diminutive for Maria or sometimes for Marianna. Famous people named Marisa include American actress Marisa Tomei and singer
Cultural significance
Marisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of italian.
Peak popularity
Reached #147 in 1994 — currently #1325 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Marisa?
Marisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marisa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Marisa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Marisa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Marisa Claire
French influence · crisp
Marisa Jane
Literary · strong
Marisa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Marisa right now?
Holding steady — currently #1325 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1325 | 875 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1330 | 855 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1335 | 825 | ▲ up 1227 · +1150% births |
| 2020 | #2562 | 66 | ▼ down 680 · -39% births |
| 2015 | #1882 | 108 | ▼ down 1065 · -67% births |
| 2010 | #817 | 329 | ▼ down 426 · -59% births |
| 2005 | #391 | 800 | ▼ down 88 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #303 | 1,051 | ▼ down 156 · -52% births |
| 1995 | #147 | 2,198 | ▲ up 108 · +98% births |
| 1990 | #255 | 1,111 | ▲ up 3 · +14% births |
| 1985 | #258 | 972 | ▼ down 23 · -10% births |
| 1980 | #235 | 1,085 | ▲ up 136 · +94% births |
| 1975 | #371 | 559 | ▲ up 128 · +40% births |
| 1970 | #499 | 399 | ▲ up 50 · +33% births |
| 1965 | #549 | 301 | — |
The story of Marisa
Marisa entered American naming records in 1934 and has been in use for over 90 years. A total of 48,566 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4605 in 1950 to #1325 in 2023. Marisa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Marisa in 1994:
Marisa by decade
Marisa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 17 | |
| 1940s | 43 | |
| 1950s | 1,314 | |
| 1960s | 3,423 | |
| 1970s | 8,347 | |
| 1980s | 10,387 | |
| 1990s ★ | 15,542 | |
| 2000s | 7,776 | |
| 2010s | 1,651 | |
| 2020s | 66 | |
What are good nicknames for Marisa?
Famous people named Marisa
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Marisa (Renaissance scholar)
Marisa used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
M(
Marisa (Renaissance scholar)
Marisa used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
M(
Marisa (historical Roman figure)
Marisa carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Marisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marisa also consider these
How is Marisa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Marisa
What does the name Marisa mean?
Marisa means "Italian" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Marisa?
Marisa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Marisa?
Marisa originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Marisa?
Marisa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Marisa a common or rare name?
Marisa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.