Nerissa

“Sea nymph.” — Associated with the sea

Greece origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#16908US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

1.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 191500

What does Nerissa mean and where does it come from?

Nerissa has its origins as a Greek name associated with the sea. It gained literary significance through William Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice', portraying a strong and loyal female character. The name is well-regarded in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, wher

Cultural significance

Nerissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of sea nymph..

Peak popularity

Reached #1577 in 1979 — currently #16908 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Nerissa?

Nerissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Nerissa Grace

How popular is Nerissa right now?

Falling — down 5025 spots — currently #16908 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#16908 · Top 12%

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#16908	5	▼ down 5025 · -37% births
2021	#11883	8	▼ down 807
2020	#11076	8	▲ up 5504 · +60% births
2015	#16580	5	▼ down 9329 · -71% births
2010	#7251	17	▼ down 1632 · -23% births
2005	#5619	22	▼ down 450
2000	#5169	22	▼ down 1936 · -37% births
1995	#3233	35	▼ down 422 · -15% births
1990	#2811	41	▼ down 311 · +5% births
1985	#2500	39	▼ down 532 · -28% births
1980	#1968	54	▼ down 154 · +6% births
1975	#1814	51	▲ up 846 · +89% births
1970	#2660	27	▼ down 288 · +4% births
1965	#2372	26	▲ up 1641 · +136% births
1960	#4013	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Nerissa

Best Year1975Rank #1814

Peak Count54

Average Rank#6112

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202318 years

The story of Nerissa

Nerissa entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 1,947 total births recorded, Nerissa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4228 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16908 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Nerissa in 1979:

Jennifer Melissa Amanda Jessica Amy

Nerissa by decade

Nerissa peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	13
1940s	5
1950s	87
1960s	223
1970s	454
1980s ★	488
1990s	314
2000s	244
2010s	111
2020s	8

💎With 1,947 total births, Nerissa is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Nerissa?

Common

NerNerieNeryIssa

What names sound and feel like Nerissa?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nerissa also consider these

American · A modern invented

Neissa

American · Bright or shining.

Lerissa

American · Cheerful, joyous

How is Nerissa written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Nerissa

What does the name Nerissa mean?

Nerissa means "Sea nymph." — a name rooted in Greece 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 Nerissa?

Nerissa 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 Nerissa?

Nerissa originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Nerissa?

Nerissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.

Is Nerissa a common or rare name?

Nerissa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.