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Home › Baby Names Directory › Nerissa

Nerissa

♀ Girl

Pronounced nuh-RIS-uh /nəˈrɪs.ə/High

Meaning: From Greek Nereis, 'sea-nymph' (a Nereid). Shakespeare gave the name to Portia's clever, warm-hearted waiting-woman in The Merchant of Venice, and it is largely through that play that Nerissa entered English use.Medium

In 30 seconds: Nerissa means 'sea-nymph' — and it's Shakespeare's name for Portia's quick-witted companion in The Merchant of Venice (said 'nuh-RIS-uh').
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Origin MediumGreek, English
MeaningFrom Greek Nereis, 'sea-nymph' (a Nereid). Shakespeare gave the name to Portia's clever, warm-hearted waiting-woman in The Merchant of Venice, and it is largely through that play that Nerissa entered English use.
U.S. rank (2024)#14738 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1979
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,968

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197919152024

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

Nerissa traces back to the Greek Nereis, 'sea-nymph' — one of the Nereids, daughters of the sea-god Nereus. Its life in English begins with Shakespeare, who gave the name to Portia's sharp and loyal waiting-woman in The Merchant of Venice; she disguises herself as a law clerk and holds her own throughout. The name has kept a literary, sea-cool air ever since (said 'nuh-RIS-uh').

It appears only rarely in the U.S., with a small literary following. Rare, literary, and oceanic.

Did you know? Shakespeare seems to have coined the spelling Nerissa from the Greek nereis, 'sea-nymph' — and the play's Nerissa is no wallflower: she matches her mistress trick for trick.
Overall data confidence 60%
References — Nerissa — Greek nereis 'sea-nymph'; Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Variations

NerisaNerysNerissa

Nicknames

NeriRissa

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Nerissa…

Marissa— a like sea-linked -issa name
Clarissa— a like literary -issa classic
Portia— the Shakespeare heroine she serves
Larissa— a like Greek-rooted -issa pick

Explore names like Nerissa

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nerissa mean?

Nerissa means 'sea-nymph', from the Greek nereis. Shakespeare used it for Portia's companion in The Merchant of Venice.

How do you pronounce Nerissa?

It's said nuh-RIS-uh /nəˈrɪs.ə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Nerissa a boy or girl name?

Nerissa is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Nerissa?

Nerissa is a rare name for girls in the U.S.

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