Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Anissa
GirlArabic, English· “uncertain; possibly from Anisa, friendly companion”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly from Anisa, friendly companion (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Arabic, English
- Pronunciation
- uh-NEE-suh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #3,071
- US babies 2025
- 53
- Best rank
- #348 (1971)
- Peak year
- 1971
Meaning and origin of Anissa
Anissa is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly from Anisa, friendly companion”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Arabic and English roots.
The source of Anissa is uncertain. It is often linked to the Arabic Anisa, meaning friendly companion, though it may also be an elaboration of Anne or Agnes, or connect to the Greek anise plant, so the meaning is not settled. The name has been used in both Muslim and English-speaking families, and its soft, flowing sound makes it adaptable across cultures. It sits comfortably beside names like Alyssa and Melissa while feeling a little less common. Nissa and Annie make gentle nicknames for everyday use.
Popularity over time
Anissa first appears in US Social Security records in 1966. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 25 different years, starting in 1967. Its best national rank was #348 in 1971, the same year it reached its highest count of 724 babies. In 2025, 53 babies were named Anissa, and it ranked #3,071 nationally. That is 38% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,300 in 1980, #753 in 2000, #1,501 in 2010, and #3,071 in 2025. Of the 12,498 US girls named Anissa since records began, 27% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 3,043 babies. Since 2010, 1,519 more have been named Anissa.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Darcy, Marci, Marcie, Bridgette, and Dionne.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Anissa ranked highest in California and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #1753 | 12 |
| New York | #2114 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Anissa is usually pronounced uh-NEE-suh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-sa”.
Middle names for Anissa
A few middle names that flow with Anissa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Anissa
Similar names
Marissa Girl
muh-RIH-suh
“elaboration of Maria; linked to the sea” · English
#1,679
Alissa Girl
uh-LIH-suh
“form of Alice or Alyssa” · English
#1,942
Alyssa Girl
uh-LIS-uh
“form of Alice; also alyssum flower” · English
#453
Vanessa Girl
vuh-NEH-suh
“invented by Jonathan Swift” · English
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Larissa Girl
luh-RIH-suh
“citadel; also a Greek city” · Greek
#1,646
Alisa Girl
uh-LEE-suh
“noble; form of Alice or Elisa” · Russian
#1,654
Theresa Girl
tuh-REE-suh
“uncertain; perhaps 'harvest'” · Greek
#1,559
Melisa Girl
muh-LEE-suh
“honeybee” · Greek
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Venessa Girl
vuh-NEH-suh
“variant of Vanessa” · American (modern coinage)
rare
Melissa Girl
muh-LIS-uh
“honeybee” · Greek
#420
Jillian Girl
JIH-lee-uhn
“youthful; form of Juliana” · English
#1,266
Allyson Girl
AL-ih-suhn
“noble kind” · English
#1,139
Lists that include Anissa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Anissa mean?
Anissa is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly from Anisa, friendly companion”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Arabic and English roots.
What is the origin of the name Anissa?
Anissa has Arabic and English roots. The source of Anissa is uncertain.
Is Anissa a popular name?
Not especially. Anissa ranked #3,071 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Anissa a boy or girl name?
Anissa is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Anissa?
Anissa is usually pronounced uh-NEE-suh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings