MallowbyNames

Arissa

uh-RISS-uh · Possibly a modern coinage combining elements of Ariana and Marissa, or derived from Arabic 'arisa' meaning 'bride'.

2025 rank (girls)
#4,352
Babies named in 2025
32
Peak popularity
2003
2025 frequency
1 in 50,227 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2004

Declining since 2004, #4,352 for girls today.

Popularity of Arissa since 1970

Babies named Arissa per year in U.S. Social Security records.

74147221198020002020Most births 2003Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s31
1980s110
1990s467
2000s1,083
2010s626
2020s174

Meaning & origin

Arissa first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1970, making it a modern addition to the American name pool. It reached its peak rank of 4,352 in 2003, with roughly 1 in 50,227 baby girls receiving the name that year. Since 2004, its usage has been steadily falling. The name is most popular in California and Texas, reflecting its appeal in diverse, trend-setting regions. Its origins are uncertain; it may be a blend of Ariana and Marissa, or an adaptation of Arabic 'arisa' (bride). Despite the uncertainty, Arissa remains a melodic and uncommon choice, especially among families seeking a name that feels fresh and feminine without being overly popular.

Arissa first appeared in U.S. birth records around 1970. It is likely a blend of popular names like Ariana and Marissa, a common pattern in modern American name formation. An Arabic derivation from 'arisa' (bride) has also been suggested, but the connection is uncertain and the name's modern usage does not align with traditional Arabic naming practices.

Where Arissa is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ari, Rissa, Issa

Sibling names for Arissa

Names that share Arissa's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Arissa, our favorite little girl.

A is for Arissa…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Arissa's letter becomes Arissa's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Arissa's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Arissa mean?
Arissa is of uncertain origin. It may be a modern blend of Ariana and Marissa, or possibly derived from Arabic 'arisa' meaning 'bride'.
How popular is the name Arissa?
Arissa is rare. In 2025, it ranked 4,352 with about 1 in 50,227 baby girls given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2003, and it has been declining since 2004.
Is Arissa a boy or girl name?
Arissa is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.