Holding steady.
Popularity of Caresse since 1949
Babies named Caresse per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 7 |
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 27 |
| 1980s | 135 |
| 1990s | 147 |
| 2000s | 11 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Caresse is a graceful French word name that entered the U.S. naming scene in 1949, its first recorded year of use. The name saw its highest popularity in 1987, though it has never ranked in the top 1,000 names, maintaining a rare and stable presence ever since. The trajectory for the name is stable, indicating consistent but infrequent usage over decades without notable spikes or declines. As a word name, Caresse appeals to parents drawn to lyrical, romantic vocabulary with a soft, affectionate meaning. Its French origin lends an air of sophistication, but the name remains uncommon, making it a distinctive choice.
Caresse is directly taken from the French noun 'caresse,' meaning an affectionate touch or caress. The word entered English in the 17th century, and its use as a given name appears to be a modern coinage, first recorded in the United States in 1949. It likely emerged as part of a trend of using graceful French words as feminine names.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cari, Ressie, Cara
Sibling names for Caresse
Names that share Caresse's style, for a brother or sister.
