Lisa Overview
- Meaning: Lisa means “pledged to God” and “God is my oath” in English, Italian, German, and Dutch. It is also a derivative of Lysa, which means “devoted to Juno” in Roman.
- Gender: Lisa is a unisex option that’s likelier to be used for little girls.
- Origin: Lisa has English, Hebrew, and Italian roots, where it’s connected to Elisabeth. Lisa is also connected to Elisheba and Lysa, meaning “God is my promise.”
- Pronunciation: Lisa is pronounced “LEE-suh” or “LEEZ-uh” worldwide.
- Popularity: Lisa landed on American name charts in 1937, ranking #958 for girls. Lisa was also a famous boy’s option in the late 1960s.
- Nicknames: Isa, Lee, Leece, Lis, Liss, Liz, Liza, Lyz.
- Variations: Leesa, Leeza, Lesa, Leza, Liza, Lysa, Lyssa, Lyza.
- Namesakes: Lisa Kudrow, American actress. Lisa Loeb, American singer.
What Does Lisa Mean?
Lisa means “pledged to God” and “God is my oath” in English, Italian, German and Dutch. It’s a form of Elizabeth, a biblical title claimed by the mother of John the Baptist. Lisa is also a form of Elisheba, the title of an Old Testament figure’s wife. Lisa is a fabulous option for parents who want a faith-filled name.
What Is the Origin of the Name Lisa?
Lisa has English, Hebrew, and Italian roots, where it’s connected to Elisabeth. Lisa also appears as Lysa, given to Roman girls devoted to Juno. In Germany, Lisa appears as Liese, meaning “God’s promise.” German families chose the name Lisa for their girls after times of infertility or hardship. This sentiment continues for families worldwide today.
How Popular Is the Name Lisa?
Lisa became popular in the late 1970s, peaking in Europe as the fifth most popular girl’s name. Lisa landed on American name charts in 1937, ranking #958 for girls. It had a short run as a boy’s title from 1960-1975 before becoming strictly feminine. Today, Lisa remains a top 1,000 pick for girls in the U.S.
How Do I Pronounce Lisa?
Lisa is pronounced “LEE-suh” or “LEEZ-uh” worldwide.
Is Lisa a Boy or Girl Name?
Lisa is a unisex option that’s likelier to be used for little girls.
Variations of Lisa
Check out these cute variations of Lisa:
- Leesa
- Leeza
- Lesa
- Leza
- Liza
- Lysa
- Lyssa
- Lyza
Nicknames for Lisa
Try one of these fancy Lisa nicknames:
- Isa
- Lee
- Leece
- Lis
- Liss
- Liz
- Liza
- Lyz
Similar Names to Lisa
These names are similar to Lisa in meaning, pronunciation, and origin:
- Elisa
- Elisabeth
- Elizabeth
- Elyssa
- Isa
- Larissa
- Leena
- Leia
- Leila
- Lia
- Liesel
- Lina
- Liya
- Luisa
- Reesa
- Teresa
Middle Names for Lisa
These middle names for Lisa are too cute:
- Adeline
- Augusta
- Cecily
- Faith
- Francis
- Glory
- Grace
- Hope
- Isadore
- Ivy
- Jillian
- June
- Lee
- Lillian
- Ling
- Lou
- Mae
- Marjorie
- River
- Zoe
Sibling Names for Lisa
These sibling names for Lisa make the perfect pair:
- Alyssa
- Ava
- Daisy
- Ella
- Isabelle
- Jane
- Judah
- Julie
- Laura
- Liam
- Luca
- Noah
- Oliver
- Robert
- Robin
- Sarah
- Terry
- Whitney
- William
Famous People Named Lisa
Learn more about Lisa’s famous namesakes:
- Lisa Edelstein: American actress.
- Lisa Kudrow: American actress.
- Lisa Lesley: American basketball player.
- Lisa Loeb: American singer.
- Lisa Marie Origliasso: Australian singer.
- Lisa Marie Presley: American musician.
- Lisa M. Stasse: American writer.
- Lisa Rinna: American actress.
Lisa in Popular Culture
Keep an eye out for these mentions of Lisa in pop culture:
- Lisa Braeden: Mentioned in television’s “Supernatural.”
- Lisa Cuddy: Character in the hit show “House.”
- Lisa Garland: Character in the Silent Hill video game.
- Lisa Loud: Mentioned in TV’s “The Loud House.”
- Lisa Simpson: Featured in television’s “The Simpsons.”
- Lisa Trevor: Mentioned in the “Resident Evil” franchise.
- Lisa Turtle: Character in the sitcom “Saved by the Bell.”
Lisa FAQs
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about Lisa:
Is the Name Lisa Popular?
Like big hair and sweatbands, Lisa was most popular in the 1970s-1980s. Lisa originated in Europe as an alternate spelling of Lysa. In the late 1930s, Lisa migrated to America, where it remained a relevant pick. Lisa would be considered moderately popular as it consistently ranks among the top 900 names for American girls.
What Does Lisa Mean in the Bible?
Lisa isn’t found in the Bible, but it still has spiritual connotations. Lisa is a variation of Elizabeth, the title borne by Christ’s aunt and the mother of John the Baptist. Lisa also means “pledged to God” and is given to girls in hopes they’ll always prioritize and cherish their faith.
What’s a Good Nickname for Lisa?
Lisa may be short, but it comes with several nicknames. You can call your girl Lee, Liz, or Liss if you prefer traditional titles. Out-of-the-ordinary nicknames include Isa, Lyz, or Lisard. Lisa may not have as many nicknames as Elizabeth, but it has enough to keep things interesting.
