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Home › Baby Names Directory › Nissa

Nissa

♀ Girl

Pronounced NISS-ah /ˈnɪs.ə/Medium

Meaning: A Hebrew name Nissa, linked to nes ('sign; banner; miracle') or nasah ('to test'); separately a Scandinavian name tied to the nisse, a friendly household spirit. Routes vary.Low

In 30 seconds: A short, bright name: Nissa touches 'sign; banner' in Hebrew and a friendly spirit in Nordic lore (said 'NISS-ah'). Routes vary.
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Origin LowHebrew, Scandinavian
MeaningA Hebrew name Nissa, linked to nes ('sign; banner; miracle') or nasah ('to test'); separately a Scandinavian name tied to the nisse, a friendly household spirit. Routes vary.
U.S. rank (2025)#16610 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1974
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,532

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197419682025

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

Nissa is a Hebrew name (near nes, 'sign; banner') and a Nordic name tied to the nisse spirit. It reads short and bright across traditions; routes vary, which we note - rare in the U.S. (said 'NISS-ah').

It appears only rarely in U.S. data. Rare, crisp, and folkloric.

Did you know? Nissa reads as a Hebrew name tied to 'sign; banner; miracle,' and also a Scandinavian name linked to the nisse, a friendly household spirit - a crisp two-beat name whose routes vary, which we note (said 'NISS-ah').
Overall data confidence 42%
References - Nissa — Hebrew 'sign'; Nordic nisse; routes vary

Variations

NisaNyssaNissah

Nicknames

NissSissy

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Nissa…

Nyssa— a spelling cousin
Nisha— a like short soft pick
Tessa— a like crisp -ssa name
Marissa— a like flowing -issa name

Explore names like Nissa

By themeuncertainhebrewshortfolkloric

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nissa mean?

Nissa is a Hebrew name tied to 'sign; banner; miracle,' and a Scandinavian name for a friendly spirit. Routes vary, which we note.

How do you pronounce Nissa?

It's said NISS-ah /ˈnɪs.ə/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Nissa a boy or girl name?

Nissa is a girl's name.

How popular is Nissa?

Nissa is a rare name in the U.S.

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