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Karissa
Pronounced kuh-RIHS-uh /kə.ˈɹɪs.ə/Medium
Meaning: Grace; dear, beloved.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
The name draws on the Greek idea of grace, the same charis root behind 'dear' and 'beloved'. Karissa is the harder-edged spelling of Carissa, swapping a C for a K while keeping the warmth of the meaning intact.
Its variations trace the root in both directions, from the plainer Charis to the showier Charisma, so Karissa sits comfortably within a whole cluster of grace-themed names. The 'k' opening gives it a slightly more contemporary look than its softer cousins.
Variations
Nicknames
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Karissa mean?
Karissa is usually explained as meaning 'grace, kindness' and is most often linked with English tradition.
How do you pronounce Karissa?
It's commonly said kuh-RIHS-uh /kə.ˈɹɪs.ə/.
Is Karissa a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Karissa is used as a girl name.
How popular is Karissa?
In 2024, Karissa ranked #2671 in the U.S. for girls, with 65 births recorded.