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Home › Baby Names Directory › Marisa

Marisa

♀ Girl

Pronounced mah-RISS-ah /mɑˈrɪs.ɑ/High

Meaning: Italian/Spanish blend of Maria and Luisa — popularly read 'of the sea' (maris)Medium

In 30 seconds: Mary gone to sea: Marisa blends Maria and Luisa with a salt-spray 'of the sea' reading — and Marisa Tomei's Oscar charm. Mediterranean, warm, and easy.
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Origin MediumItalian, Spanish
MeaningItalian/Spanish blend of Maria and Luisa — popularly read 'of the sea' (maris)
U.S. rank (2025)#5178 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births25 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1995
Total births (all-time)≈ 48,708

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199519342025

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

Marisa arose in Italy and Spain as a blend of Maria and Luisa, popularly tied to Latin maris, 'of the sea' (the routes are layered, which we note). Mid-century stars — Marisa Tomei, Marisa Berenson — gave it screen warmth.

It registers thinly today. Rare, sea-Mary at the root, and Mediterranean-easy.

Did you know? Marisa Tomei won her Oscar for My Cousin Vinny in one of the great underdog wins — and her name's 'maris' syllable keeps the Latin sea inside Mary.
Overall data confidence 72%
Behind the Name — Marisa — blend background

Variations

MarissaMaritzaMarise

Nicknames

MariRisa

Famous Bearers

  • ★Marisa Tomei (1964–present)
    American actress, Academy Award winner for My Cousin Vinny.

If you like Marisa…

Marissa— the double-s American sister
Maria— the Mary at its heart
Marisol— the companion sea-and-sun blend
Julissa— shares Marisa's Spanish roots
Alessa— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Marisa

By themespanishitalianblend
By meaningSea / Water

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Marisa mean?

Marisa blends Maria and Luisa, popularly read 'of the sea'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Marisa?

It's said mah-RISS-ah /mɑˈrɪs.ɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Marisa a boy or girl name?

Marisa is a girl's name.

How popular is Marisa?

Marisa is a rare name in the U.S. today.

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