Declining since 1991, #3,342 for girls today.
Popularity of Carissa since 1949
Babies named Carissa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 71 |
| 1960s | 505 |
| 1970s | 3,635 |
| 1980s | 7,627 |
| 1990s | 8,820 |
| 2000s | 5,568 |
| 2010s | 1,857 |
| 2020s | 359 |
Meaning & origin
Carissa emerged in the United States in 1949 and saw its peak popularity in 1992, when more babies were named Carissa than any other year. Since 1991, its usage has been falling, and by 2025 it had dropped to rank 3,342 with approximately 1 in 34,941 newborns receiving the name. The name has been most common in Florida and California, reflecting its appeal across diverse regions. While often treated as a variant of Charissa or a creative spelling of Carisa, its exact etymology remains debated. Carissa fits within the trend of feminine names ending in 'issa' that gained traction in the late 20th century, alongside similar names like Melissa and Clarissa.
Carissa is generally considered a modern coinage, likely a variant of Charissa, which itself derives from the Greek 'charis' (grace, kindness). The name appeared in the United States in the mid-20th century and gained modest popularity in the 1990s. It may also be influenced by the Latin word 'carus' (dear) or the botanical name for a genus of shrubs, though these connections are speculative.
Where Carissa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cari, Rissa, Cary
Sibling names for Carissa
Names that share Carissa's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Carissa
Names whose popularity has moved with Carissa's over the last 50 years.
