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Cerissa

♀ Girl

How to Pronounce Cerissa

Pronounced suh-RISS-uh /səˈrɪs.ə/Medium

Meaning: Cerissa is a soft-C respelling in the Carissa and Clarissa family. Carissa is usually linked to the Greek charis, 'grace' (also the Latin cara, 'dear'); Clarissa comes from the Latin clarus, 'bright.' Cerissa gives that sound a fresh, ce- spelling.Low

In 30 seconds: Cerissa is a soft-C spelling near Carissa and Clarissa, tied to 'grace' or 'bright.' A coined 1980s form, it crested around 1980.

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Origin LowGreek, Latin

MeaningCerissa is a soft-C respelling in the Carissa and Clarissa family. Carissa is usually linked to the Greek charis, 'grace' (also the Latin cara, 'dear'); Clarissa comes from the Latin clarus, 'bright.' Cerissa gives that sound a fresh, ce- spelling.

U.S. rank (2010)#12514 ↗ Rising

2010 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1980

Total births (all-time)≈ 461

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cerissa is a spelling in the Carissa and Clarissa family, respelled with a soft C. Carissa ties to the Greek charis, 'grace,' and the Latin cara, 'dear'; Clarissa comes from the Latin clarus, 'bright.' As -issa names flourished in the late twentieth century, the Cerissa form appeared and crested around 1980.

Cerissa stayed a rare spelling, borne by a modest number of girls before easing back in the 2010s. A Cerissa from her peak is now in her forties. The name reads as an 1980s -issa coinage and has not stood out on its own, though Carissa and Clarissa remain recognized.

Did you know? Cerissa rides the -issa wave of Melissa, Marissa and Carissa that filled 1980s nurseries, distinguishing itself with a soft ce- opening rather than a hard C.

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Cerissa — Carissa/Clarissa family; Greek charis 'grace' / Latin clarus 'bright'

Variations

CarissaCharissaCerisa

Nicknames

Rissa

Famous Bearers

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If you like Cerissa…

Carissa— a parent name in the family

Clarissa— the Latin 'bright' cousin of the name

Marissa— a same-era -issa name of the period

Larissa— a like -issa girls' name of the era

Explore names like Cerissa

By thememodern respelling 1980s

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Cerissa mean?

Cerissa sits with Carissa and Clarissa; it is tied to the Greek charis, 'grace,' or the Latin clarus, 'bright.'

How do you pronounce Cerissa?

It's said suh-RISS-uh /səˈrɪs.ə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Cerissa a boy or girl name?

Cerissa is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Cerissa?

Cerissa was an uncommon spelling that crested around nineteen-eighty and then eased back.