Declining since 1985, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Nerissa since 1915
Babies named Nerissa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 13 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 87 |
| 1960s | 223 |
| 1970s | 454 |
| 1980s | 488 |
| 1990s | 315 |
| 2000s | 245 |
| 2010s | 111 |
| 2020s | 36 |
Meaning & origin
Nerissa is a name with literary origins, first used by Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice for Portia's gentlewoman. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is often linked to the Greek Nereid, meaning 'sea nymph.' The name has never been common in the United States, but it has maintained a steady presence since first recorded in 1915. Its peak year was 1979, though even then it remained a rare choice. In 2025, Nerissa ranked 10,107, with an estimated 1 in 178,585 newborn girls given the name. Its trajectory has been falling since 1985, making it an uncommon but recognizable choice for parents seeking a name with Shakespearean flair. While no states show a particular concentration for Nerissa, it has been used across the country. The name's rarity gives it a distinctive, almost ethereal quality, appealing to those who appreciate literary history and subtle uniqueness.
Nerissa first appears as a name in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, where it is the name of Portia's waiting woman. It is often connected to the Greek Nereid, meaning 'sea nymph,' but that derivation is speculative since Shakespeare likely invented it. The name saw modest use in the English-speaking world from the 19th century onward, peaking in the 1970s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Neri, Rissa, Nessa
Sibling names for Nerissa
Names that share Nerissa's style, for a brother or sister.
