What does Rissa mean and where does it come from?
Rissa is often considered a diminutive or variation of the name Marissa, which has Latin roots meaning 'sea' or 'of the sea'. However, it is also linked to the Spanish word 'risa', meaning 'laughter'. The name has a cheerful connotation and reflects positivity. It has become increasingly popular in
Cultural significance
Rissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to laugh or to smile, derived from 'risa'..
Peak popularity
Reached #4471 in 1957 — currently #13300 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Rissa?
Rissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Rissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Rissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Rissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Rissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Rissa Jane
Literary · strong
Rissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Rissa right now?
Falling — down 1058 spots — currently #13300 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #13300 | 7 | ▼ down 1058 |
| 2020 | #12242 | 7 | ▲ up 920 |
| 2015 | #13162 | 7 | ▼ down 1150 · -12% births |
| 2005 | #12012 | 8 | ▲ up 1738 · +60% births |
| 1995 | #13750 | 5 | ▼ down 5075 · -44% births |
| 1990 | #8675 | 9 | ▼ down 1552 |
| 1985 | #7123 | 9 | ▲ up 1311 · +29% births |
| 1980 | #8434 | 7 | ▲ up 1046 · +40% births |
| 1975 | #9480 | 5 | ▼ down 4431 · -37% births |
| 1960 | #5049 | 8 | — |
The story of Rissa
Rissa entered American naming records in 1947 and has been in use for over 77 years. With 300 total births recorded, Rissa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5049 in 1960, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13300 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Rissa in 1957:
Rissa by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 10 | |
| 1950s | 22 | |
| 1960s | 45 | |
| 1970s | 37 | |
| 1980s | 54 | |
| 1990s | 46 | |
| 2000s ★ | 60 | |
| 2010s | 19 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎Rissa has only 300 total recorded births since 1947 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Rissa?
What names sound and feel like Rissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Rissa
What does the name Rissa mean?
Rissa means "To laugh or to smile, derived from 'Risa'." — a name rooted in American 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 Rissa?
Rissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Rissa have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Rissa?
Rissa originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Rissa trending right now?
Rissa is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Rissa a common or rare name?
Rissa is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.