MallowbyNames

Kisa

KEE-sah · Kisa is likely a diminutive or variant of names like Katarina (pure) or a shortened form of Kristina (follower of Christ), but its independent use may also be a modern coinage without a single fixed meaning.

Peak popularity
1978
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Kisa since 1964

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

102030198020002020Most births 1978Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s50
1970s218
1980s140
1990s42
2000s72
2010s82
2020s24

Meaning & origin

Kisa is a rare name in the United States, first appearing in Social Security records in 1964. Its peak year was 1978, and since then usage has remained stable at very low levels, never entering the top 1000. The trajectory from the most recent decade shows a stable pattern, suggesting a consistent but small number of parents choose this name each year. Kisa is almost exclusively given to girls. The name likely draws from Scandinavian traditions, where it functions as a diminutive of Katarina or Kristina. In recent decades, its concise, melodic sound fits a broader trend toward simple, internationally accessible names. Parents who choose Kisa may appreciate its rarity and its understated connection to classic roots. With no top states or notable bearers, the name remains a quiet, personal choice.

Kisa primarily functions as a Scandinavian short form of names such as Katarina (from Greek Aikaterine, debated meaning) or Kristina (from Latin Christiana). In Sweden and Norway, Kisa has been used as an independent given name since the late 20th century, sometimes influenced by the popularity of similar short names like Lisa or Misa. Its modern use in English-speaking countries is a further example of the trend toward concise, vowel-ending names for girls.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Kiki

Variants: Kissa, Kysa

Sibling names for Kisa

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

Sisters: Mira, Lena, Tova, Siri, Ingrid

Brothers: Nils, Lars, Oskar, Erik, Bjorn

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

K is for Kisa, our favorite little girl.

K is for Kisa…”

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

Make Kisa's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kisa mean?
Kisa is most often considered a shortened form of Katarina or Kristina, carrying the meanings of 'pure' or 'follower of Christ', respectively. As an independent name, its meaning may vary by family tradition.
How popular is the name Kisa?
Kisa has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000 names. In the most recent year with data, 2025, the exact 1-in-N figure is not available. Its peak usage was in 1978, when it was given to a modest number of girls.
Is Kisa a boy's or girl's name?
Kisa is overwhelmingly used for girls. The Social Security data indicates it has been recorded only for girls since 1964.