What does Parissa mean and where does it come from?
Parissa is a Persian name that conveys beauty and delicacy, most notably the beauty of a fairy or an enchanting figure. It has gained attention in Iran and among Persian-speaking communities. The name reflects cultural elements of fantasy and allure that are prevalent in Persian literature and folkl
Cultural significance
Parissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Persian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of like a fairy.
Peak popularity
Reached #9144 in 1988 — currently #1061 in the US.
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Related Reading
Persian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Parissa?
Parissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Parissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Parissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Parissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Parissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Parissa Jane
Literary · strong
Parissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Parissa right now?
Holding steady — currently #1061 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1061 | 1,139 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1066 | 1,119 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1071 | 1,089 | ▲ up 16127 · +21680% births |
| 2015 | #17198 | 5 | ▼ down 1931 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #15267 | 6 | ▼ down 663 · +20% births |
| 1995 | #14604 | 5 | ▼ down 3454 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #11150 | 7 | — |
The story of Parissa
Parissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1986. With 92 total births recorded, Parissa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11150 in 1990 to #1061 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Parissa in 1988:
Parissa by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 14 | |
| 1990s ★ | 39 | |
| 2000s | 23 | |
| 2010s | 16 | |
💎Parissa has only 92 total recorded births since 1986 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Parissa?
What names sound and feel like Parissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Parissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Parissa
What does the name Parissa mean?
Parissa means "Like a fairy" — a name rooted in Persian 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 Parissa?
Parissa 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 Parissa?
Parissa originates from Persian tradition. Persian 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 Parissa?
Parissa is a three-syllable name pronounced P AA1 R 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 Parissa?
Parissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Persian heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.