There is a distinct, aquatic charm to the name Marissa. It manages to feel both nostalgic, calling to mind the popularity of the 1990s, and timelessly elegant, thanks to its Latin roots. While it may have been the “It Girl” name of a previous generation, Marissa has settled into a comfortable spot as a familiar yet underused classic in 2025. It offers the soft, flowing vowel sounds that modern parents love, similar to Isabella or Olivia, but without the high saturation.
Historically, it is a name deeply connected to the ocean and often associated with the Virgin Mary through the epithet “Stella Maris.” It bridges the gap between the traditional “Mary” and the more elaborate “Melissa,” offering a sweet spot of femininity and strength.
Verdict: Marissa is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025 if you are looking for a “modern vintage” name. It is recognizable and easy to spell, yet your daughter is unlikely to share the name with three other girls in her kindergarten class.
Marissa Overview
- Meaning: Of the sea
- Gender: Unisex, but mostly female
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: “Ma-riss-ah”
- Popularity: 876th in the US
- Nicknames: Mari, Riss
- Variations: Marisa, Marysa
- Namesakes: Marissa Meyer, Marissa Cooper
What Does Marissa Mean?
The name Marissa is widely accepted to mean “of the sea.” This definition is derived from the Latin word maris. It creates a beautiful image of vast oceans, calming tides, and depth of character.
However, the meaning has layers. Marissa is often considered a combination of the name Maria (or Mary) and the suffix “-issa.” Through this connection to Mary, the name takes on religious significance. In Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary is referred to as “Stella Maris,” which translates to “Star of the Sea.” Therefore, Marissa carries connotations of guidance, hope, and maternal strength alongside its aquatic roots.
Where Does the Name Marissa Come From?
The origin of the name Marissa is primarily Latin, stemming from the genitive case of mare (sea). While the root words are ancient, Marissa as a standalone given name is a relatively modern phenomenon in the English-speaking world.
It gained traction as a variant of Marisa (with one ‘s’), which is the standard spelling in Italian and Spanish cultures. The double ‘s’ spelling became an Americanized favorite in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of names like Melissa and Clarissa. It is not directly Biblical in this specific spelling, though its root, Mary, is obviously central to the New Testament.
How Popular is the Name Marissa?
Marissa is a prime example of a “shooting star” name that defined a specific era. It was virtually unheard of in the United States before the 1950s. It entered the top 1,000 for the first time in 1963.
From there, it saw a meteoric rise. It skyrocketed through the 70s and 80s, becoming a defining name for Gen Y and Millennials. It peaked in the mid-1990s, reaching as high as rank #53 in 1994. If you grew up during that time, you almost certainly had a Marissa in your class.
Since that 90s peak, the name has cooled off significantly. It is no longer a top 50 hit. In recent years, it has hovered toward the bottom of the top 1,000 list. This is actually good news for modern parents; it means Marissa has transitioned from a “trendy” name to a “familiar classic” that feels distinct and rare for a baby born in 2025. (1)
How Do I Pronounce Marissa?
The most common American English pronunciation is “Ma-RISS-ah.” The stress falls firmly on the second syllable, which rhymes with “hiss.”
There is a subtle difference between Marissa and the single-s variation, Marisa. In many Latin-based languages (and often in British English), Marisa is pronounced “Ma-REE-sah,” with a longer ‘e’ sound and a softer ‘s’ that almost sounds like a ‘z’. However, if you spell it with the double ‘s’, people will almost instinctively use the short “riss” sound.
Is Marissa a Boy or Girl Name?
Marissa is traditionally and overwhelmingly a feminine name. While the SSA data categorizes names based on sex at birth, and some parents choose to cross gender lines, Marissa has not seen a statistically significant usage for boys. It fits into the category of strictly feminine names ending in “a,” similar to Alyssa or Vanessa.
Variations of Marissa
Because this name has roots in Mary and Latin, it appears in various forms across different cultures. Here are the most common variations you might encounter:
- Marisa: The Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese variation.
- Maresa: A simplified spelling often found in Eastern Europe.
- Marysa: A blend that highlights the “Mary” root visually.
- Marise: A French variation that offers a chic, sophisticated twist.
- Mariza: A variation often used in Portuguese or Greek cultures, emphasizing the ‘z’ sound.
- Morissa: A rare variant that changes the initial vowel sound.
Nicknames for Marissa
One of the best features of this name is its versatility with nicknames. You can go with something sweet, something tomboyish, or something entirely unexpected.
- Mari: A sweet, classic option that stands on its own.
- Rissa: Spunky and upbeat, removing the formality of the “Ma”.
- Riss: A cool, one-syllable option often used by close friends.
- Missy: A vintage nickname that feels very youthful.
- Mars: A creative, edgy nickname derived from the first syllable (Mar-s).
- Mimi: A retro, affectionate nickname often used for names starting with M.
- Isa: Pulling from the end of the name for a softer feel.
- Rizz: A modern, playful slang-style nickname (though be aware of current slang meanings!).
Names Similar to Marissa
If you enjoy the vibe of Marissa, soft consonants, vowel-heavy, and 90s nostalgia, but want something slightly different, consider these alternatives.
- Larissa: Rhymes with Marissa but feels slightly more exotic and Russian in origin.
- Marina: Shares the “sea” meaning and Latin roots but feels a bit more European.
- Carissa: Very similar in sound, meaning “beloved.”
- Vanessa: Shares that distinct 80s/90s popularity curve and the strong “ess” sound.
- Elara: A more modern, celestial choice that shares the flowing vowel structure.
- Sienna: Captures the same feminine energy but feels more contemporary.
- Julissa: A blend of Julie and Alyssa that mimics Marissa’s rhythm.
- Nerissa: A Shakespearean name that also means “of the sea,” perfect for literary parents.
Middle Names for Marissa
Because Marissa is a three-syllable name with a romantic flow, it pairs best with middle names that ground it.
Short & Sweet
A single-syllable middle name provides a crisp, rhythmic finish to the longer first name.
Nature-Inspired
To lean into the “of the sea” meaning, pair it with other earthy or floral names.
Classic Elegance
If you want a name that sounds ready for a resume or a royal title, choose a traditional middle name.
Sibling Names for Marissa
Building a sibset around Marissa means finding names that bridge the gap between classic and modern. You want names that are recognizable but not overused.
For a Brother
These names share the same established, trustworthy vibe as Marissa.
For a Sister
Sister names should match the feminine, lyrical quality of Marissa without rhyming too closely.
Famous People Named Marissa
Marissa has been well-represented in Hollywood and business, particularly by women born in the 70s and 80s who have risen to prominence.
- Marissa Mayer: A major figure in tech, she was an early Google employee and the former CEO of Yahoo!
- Marissa Jaret Winokur: A Tony Award-winning American actress known for her role in the Broadway musical Hairspray.
- Marissa Meyer: The best-selling author of the popular young adult series The Lunar Chronicles.
- Marissa Ribisi: An American actress and screenwriter, twin sister to actor Giovanni Ribisi.
- Marissa Coleman: A professional basketball player in the WNBA.
Marissa in Pop Culture
While the name existed before, one specific character defined this name for a generation of TV watchers in the early 2000s.
- Marissa Cooper: The troubled but beautiful “girl next door” protagonist in the hit TV show The O.C., played by Mischa Barton. This character single-handedly kept the name in the pop culture conversation during the mid-2000s.
- Marissa Benson: The overprotective mother of Freddie on the Nickelodeon show iCarly.
- Marissa Tasker: A long-running character on the soap opera All My Children.
- Marissa Gold: A sharp, witty investigator on the legal drama The Good Fight.
FAQs About the Name Marissa
Is There a Masculine Version of Marissa?
Marissa itself can sometimes be a masculine name. However, that usage is fairly rare. There are not any names that are a direct male version of Marissa.
There are plenty of masculine names that sound somewhat like Marissa. These names include Merrick, Mark, Marshall, Marcos, Mauricio, Marquis, Marcello, Marley, Marlon, Marcel, Marvin, Mario, and Malakai.
Do Any Names Have the Same Meaning As Marissa?
It comes as no surprise that water plays a massive role in most cultures throughout history. It is necessary for life, and often determines the commerce, health, and geography of a civilization. As a result, it makes sense that most civilizations would also have names related to water.
Several names of Latin origin relate to water, including Asria, Adriana, Alma, Marella, Marilla, Marina, and Naida. There are countless other water-inspired names in different cultures.
Alda is an Icelandic name that means wave, Amaya is a Basque name that means night rain, Anahita is a Persian name meaning water and river goddess, Beverly is an English name that means beaver stream, and Breena is an Irish name that means moisture or drop.
Is Marissa a Biblical Name?
Marissa is not directly found in the Bible. However, it is etymologically linked to the Biblical name Mary (Miryam). Because of this connection, many Christian parents view it as a spiritual name honoring the Virgin Mary, specifically referencing her title “Stella Maris” (Star of the Sea).
What is the Difference Between Marisa and Marissa?
The primary difference is the spelling and the pronunciation. Marisa (one ‘s’) is the traditional Spanish and Italian spelling and is usually pronounced “Ma-REE-sa.” Marissa (double ‘s’) is the English adaptation and is almost always pronounced “Ma-RISS-a.”
Why Did the Name Marissa Drop in Popularity?
Like many names that spike quickly, Marissa suffered from oversaturation in the 1990s. Names often follow a “100-year rule,” where they become popular, fade away as parents avoid “names their mom has,” and then return a century later. Marissa is currently in its “cooling off” period, making it a rare gem for today’s babies.
Does Marissa Have a Specific Personality Vibe?
Because of the “iss” sound, Marissa is often perceived as energetic, sassy, and spirited, unlike the softer, more demure “Marina.” In numerology, the name Marissa is often associated with the number 3, representing creativity, social interaction, and optimism.
Is Marissa Considered a Vintage Name?
Not in the traditional sense of Victorian or Edwardian names (like Hazel or Clara). Marissa is considered “retro” or “modern vintage,” specifically calling back to the late 20th century. It evokes the nostalgia of the 1980s and 1990s rather than the 1890s.
