Declining since 2010, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Misa since 1968
Babies named Misa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 18 |
| 1970s | 63 |
| 1980s | 76 |
| 1990s | 142 |
| 2000s | 185 |
| 2010s | 192 |
| 2020s | 89 |
Meaning & origin
Misa is a Japanese name that entered U.S. records in 1968. Its popularity peaked in 2011, when it ranked 7491 among girls' names. As of 2025, it is given to approximately 1 in every 114,805 newborns, with usage declining since 2010. The name is written with kanji characters such as 美彩 (beautiful bloom) or 美砂 (beautiful sand), reflecting common Japanese naming conventions that combine a positive attribute with a natural element. Misa has not appeared in any state's top-name lists, suggesting it remains a relatively rare but recognizable choice.
Misa is a Japanese name composed of two kanji characters: 'mi' (美) meaning 'beautiful' and 'sa' (彩) meaning 'bloom, color' or 'sa' (砂) meaning 'sand.' It can also be written with other kanji combinations. The name has been used in Japan for centuries, though it gained wider recognition internationally in the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mi-chan, Sa-chan
Variants: Misa (ミサ)
Sibling names for Misa
Names that share Misa's style, for a brother or sister.
