Nerissa
Nerissa: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /nəˈɹɪsə/
Meaning and origin of Nerissa
- A female given name from Ancient Greek.
Etymology
Coined by Shakespeare for The Merchant of Venice, apparently from Ancient Greek Νηρηΐς (Nērēḯs, “sea-nymph”).
How popular is Nerissa?
Since 1880, 1,977 girls in the U.S. have been named Nerissa. Its highest rank for girls was #1585 in 1979. In 2025, 9 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Nerissa
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Greek girl names
Sibling name ideas for Nerissa
Sister and brother names that share Nerissa's Greek roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Nerissa FAQ
What does the name Nerissa mean?
A female given name from Ancient Greek. Coined by Shakespeare for The Merchant of Venice, apparently from Ancient Greek Νηρηΐς (Nērēḯs, “sea-nymph”).
What is the origin of the name Nerissa?
Nerissa is listed as a name of Greek origin.
How popular is the name Nerissa?
Since 1880, 1,977 girls in the U.S. have been named Nerissa. Its highest rank for girls was #1585 in 1979. In 2025, 9 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Nerissa a boy or girl name?
Nerissa is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 1,977 girls and 0 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.