Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Marissa
GirlEnglish, Latin· “elaboration of Maria; linked to the sea”
- Meaning
- elaboration of Maria; linked to the sea
- Origin
- English, Latin
- Pronunciation
- muh-RIH-suh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,679
- US babies 2025
- 123
- Best rank
- #53 (1994)
- Peak year
- 1994
Meaning and origin of Marissa
Marissa is an English and Latin name that is usually said to mean “elaboration of Maria; linked to the sea”.
Marissa is an English elaboration of Maria, closely related to Marisa, a Spanish and Italian blend of Maria and Luisa. Many sources also connect it with the Latin marinus, of the sea, which gives it an appealing seaside image, though the link is more by association than direct descent. Maria goes back to the Hebrew Miriam. Marissa has a smooth, feminine sound and a slightly retro feel, fitting with names like Melissa and Vanessa. Mari, Rissa and Missy are possible nicknames, and the spelling Marisa offers a simpler alternative.
Other spellings with the same sound: Marisa.
Popularity over time
Marissa first appears in US Social Security records in 1936. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 56 different years, starting in 1963. Its best national rank was #53 in 1994, the same year it reached its highest count of 6,246 babies. In 2025, 123 babies were named Marissa, and it ranked #1,679 nationally. That is 79% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #4,585 in 1950, #193 in 1980, #78 in 2000, #202 in 2010, and #1,679 in 2025. Of the 120,842 US girls named Marissa since records began, 42% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 32,068 babies. Since 2010, 8,428 more have been named Marissa.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Miranda, Katelyn, Alexandria, Briana, and Allison.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Marissa ranked highest in Michigan, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #925 | 8 |
| Tennessee | #1079 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #1187 | 7 |
| Texas | #1213 | 22 |
| Illinois | #1350 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Marissa is usually pronounced muh-RIH-suh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-sa”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Marisa.
Middle names for Marissa
A few middle names that flow with Marissa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Marissa
Similar names
Julissa Girl
joo-LIH-suh
“elaboration of Julia” · Spanish
#1,136
Alissa Girl
uh-LIH-suh
“form of Alice or Alyssa” · English
#1,942
Anissa Girl
uh-NEE-suh
“uncertain; possibly from Anisa, friendly companion” · Arabic
#3,071
Alyssa Girl
uh-LIS-uh
“form of Alice; also alyssum flower” · English
#453
Vanessa Girl
vuh-NEH-suh
“invented by Jonathan Swift” · English
#377
Jillian Girl
JIH-lee-uhn
“youthful; form of Juliana” · English
#1,266
Deanna Girl
dee-AN-uh
“variant of Diana” · English
#2,175
Tiara Girl
tee-AR-uh
“jeweled crown” · English
#2,014
Cecily Girl
SES-uh-lee
“from Caecilius; traditionally 'blind'” · English
#1,541
Emily Girl
EH-muh-lee
“rival, striving” · Latin
#34
Trinity Girl
TRIH-nih-tee
“threefold; the Holy Trinity” · English
#428
Destiny Girl
DEHS-tuh-nee
“fate” · English
#635
Lists that include Marissa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Marissa mean?
Marissa is an English and Latin name that is usually said to mean “elaboration of Maria; linked to the sea”.
What is the origin of the name Marissa?
Marissa has English and Latin roots. Marissa is an English elaboration of Maria, closely related to Marisa, a Spanish and Italian blend of Maria and Luisa.
Is Marissa a popular name?
Not especially. Marissa ranked #1,679 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Marissa a boy or girl name?
Marissa is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Marissa?
Marissa is usually pronounced muh-RIH-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