MallowbyNames

Charisa

shuh-REE-suh · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Charissa or a feminine form of Charis, meaning 'grace' or 'kindness' in Greek.

Peak popularity
1978
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Charisa since 1969

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

71522198020002020Most births 1978Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s8
1970s126
1980s145
1990s67
2000s41
2010s8
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Charisa is a modern English name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1969, a time when many inventive and softly feminine names were gaining popularity. Its peak year was 1978, the height of the late 1970s. Despite this peak, the name never broke into the top 1000 rankings, remaining a distinctive and uncommon choice. Its trajectory has been stable in recent decades, with no significant resurgence or decline. Charisa is most likely a variant of Charissa, which itself draws on the Greek word for grace, a common theme in many feminine names. While the name has no strong geographical or cultural ties, its sound and structure align with similar names like Marisa and Larissa, which enjoyed more widespread use in the same era. Overall, Charisa offers a unique identity with a gentle, modern feel.

Charisa is a modern English coinage, likely a variant of Charissa or inspired by the Greek charis (grace). The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1969, and its use peaked in 1978. It remains a rare and distinctive choice, not widely adopted beyond occasional use.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Chari, Risa, Char

Variants: Charissa, Charisa

Sibling names for Charisa

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

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

C is for Charisa, our favorite little girl.

C is for Charisa…”

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

Make Charisa's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Charisa mean?
The exact meaning of Charisa is uncertain. It is likely a modern variant of Charissa, derived from the Greek word 'charis,' meaning grace or kindness.
How popular is the name Charisa?
Charisa is a rare name. Its peak year was 1978, but it has never appeared in the national top 1000 rankings. As of 2025, it remains very uncommon.
Is Charisa a girl's name or a boy's name?
Charisa is almost exclusively used for girls, with no significant male usage in recorded data.