A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Rissa since 1947
Babies named Rissa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2002, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rissa's real moment was 1979.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 22 |
| 1960s | 45 |
| 1970s | 37 |
| 1980s | 54 |
| 1990s | 46 |
| 2000s | 60 |
| 2010s | 19 |
| 2020s | 20 |
Meaning & origin
Rissa is a name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1947, but its peak year came later, in 1979, when it saw its highest frequency of use. After a period of decline, the name has been on an upward trajectory since 2017, making it a revived choice from the 1970s. Despite this resurgence, Rissa remains rare and does not currently place in the top 1,000 names, with a 1-in-N ratio that is too high to quantify precisely. Its lack of a clear etymology adds to its modern, flexible appeal.
Rissa emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century, first recorded in 1947. It is likely a diminutive of names such as Marissa or Clarissa, or a standalone creation inspired by the popular -issa suffix. The name gained modest traction in the 1970s and has seen a revival in recent years, though it remains relatively uncommon.
Sibling names for Rissa
Names that share Rissa's style, for a brother or sister.
