Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Marissa has Latin origins, meaning 'of the sea' and is also associated with the name 'Maria', which signifies 'beloved'. The name has evolved from 'Maria' to 'Maris' and finally to 'Marissa'. It gained popularity in the late 20th century and is often associated with creativity and charm. There is no biblical relevance connected to this name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/məˈrɪsə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
Marissa is derived from the Latin name 'Maris', which means 'of the sea'. It is also thought to be a diminutive of the name 'Maria', which has roots in Hebrew and means 'beloved' or 'wished for child'.
Meaning
of the sea, beloved
Language Evolution
Maria, Maris, Marissa
Historical Usage
Marissa gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, as it became a fashionable name for girls.
Variants & Derivatives
Marisa, Maris, Mara
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Marissa is perceived as a modern and elegant name, often associated with individuals who are creative and charismatic.
Famous People
Marissa Mayer - former CEO of Yahoo, Marissa Jaret Winokur - actress and Broadway star, Marissa Tomei - Academy Award-winning actress
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 6,259 peak births in 1994
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Mexico
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (12 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 12 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6839th of 10718 | 29 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4396th of 16616 | 175 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 11288th of 24088 | 66 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1469th of 12526 | 946 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 407th of 19264 | 8,483 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 91st of 27321 | 56,505 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 105th of 35406 | 50,259 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 750th of 30306 | 4,513 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
52.45% 2724th/5194 |
48.01% 3033rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
63.45% 4640th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
68.25% 1520th/2227 |
40.08% 974th/2430 |
58.18% 1660th/2853 |
44.25% 1228th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
16.45% 483rd/2937 |
10.31% 359th/3483 |
13.39% 471st/3518 |
8.68% 351st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.61% 96th/3685 |
1.70% 76th/4475 |
2.33% 121st/5194 |
1.09% 69th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.03% 93rd/4582 |
1.84% 95th/5164 |
1.83% 134th/7313 |
1.30% 97th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
18.55% 739th/3984 |
18.07% 811th/4487 |
12.14% 828th/6822 |
10.69% 671st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Mexico across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too rising for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, too rising for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6839th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4396th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 11288th out of 24088 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1469th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 407th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 91st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 105th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 750th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.