Holding steady.
Popularity of Cerissa since 1975
Babies named Cerissa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 130 |
| 1980s | 248 |
| 1990s | 40 |
| 2000s | 35 |
| 2010s | 8 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Cerissa is a modern feminine name that first entered U.S. records in 1975, a time when creative respellings and invented names were gaining popularity. Despite never reaching the top 1,000, its peak year was 1980, with a handful of births annually. The name has remained stable in usage since then, occasionally given to a few dozen girls each year. Its exact meaning is unclear, but it is likely inspired by Cerise, the French word for 'cherry,' which itself enjoyed modest use in the 1970s. Cerissa may also be seen as an elaboration of names like Clarissa or Marissa, blending familiar sounds with a unique touch.
Cerissa first appeared in U.S. records in 1975, suggesting a modern coinage. It may be a respelling of Cerise, the French word for 'cherry,' which has been used as a given name since the 20th century. Alternatively, it could be a feminine elaboration of the name Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, though this connection is less plausible and not well-attested.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cerry, Rissa, Ceri
Sibling names for Cerissa
Names that share Cerissa's style, for a brother or sister.
