What does Marissa mean and where does it come from?
Marissa is a modern name, often believed to be derived from the Latin name 'Maris' which means 'of the sea.' It became popular in the late 20th century in the United States, influenced by media and popular culture. The name is often associated with the character Marissa Cooper from the television se
Cultural significance
Marissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of the sea; sea of bitterness.
Peak popularity
Reached #53 in 1994 — currently #1679 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Marissa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Marissa?
Marissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Marissa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Marissa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Marissa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Marissa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Marissa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Marissa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Marissa right now?
Falling — down 184 spots — currently #1679 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1679 | 123 | ▼ down 184 · -16% births |
| 2024 | #1495 | 146 | ▼ down 171 · -83% births |
| 2023 | #1324 | 876 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1329 | 856 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1334 | 826 | ▼ down 250 · +269% births |
| 2020 | #1084 | 224 | ▼ down 547 · -61% births |
| 2015 | #537 | 581 | ▼ down 335 · -62% births |
| 2010 | #202 | 1,531 | ▼ down 111 · -57% births |
| 2005 | #91 | 3,592 | ▼ down 13 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #78 | 4,025 | ▼ down 25 · -34% births |
| 1995 | #53 | 6,082 | ▲ up 34 · +60% births |
| 1990 | #87 | 3,805 | ▲ up 65 · +101% births |
| 1985 | #152 | 1,890 | ▲ up 41 · +35% births |
| 1980 | #193 | 1,403 | ▲ up 289 · +267% births |
| 1975 | #482 | 382 | — |
The story of Marissa
Marissa entered American naming records in 1936 and has been in use for over 88 years. Its peak popularity was #53 in 1994. More than 120,307 babies have been named Marissa since 1936. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4612 in 1950 to #1324 in 2023. Marissa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Marissa in 1994:
Marissa by decade
Marissa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 21 | |
| 1950s | 408 | |
| 1960s | 1,478 | |
| 1970s | 6,156 | |
| 1980s | 21,206 | |
| 1990s ★ | 51,309 | |
| 2000s | 32,104 | |
| 2010s | 7,396 | |
| 2020s | 493 | |
What are good nicknames for Marissa?
Famous people named Marissa
M(
Marissa (Renaissance scholar)
Marissa used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
M(
Marissa (historical Roman figure)
Marissa carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
M(
Marissa (Roman senator or statesman)
Marissa held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Marissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Marissa also consider these
How is Marissa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Marissa
What does the name Marissa mean?
Marissa means "Of the sea; Sea of bitterness" — 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 Marissa?
Marissa 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 Marissa?
Marissa 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.
How do you pronounce the name Marissa?
Marissa is a three-syllable name pronounced mur-IS-uh. 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 Marissa?
Marissa 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.