Kerissa is a unique and captivating name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "keras", which means "horn". This name has a rich history and was often associated with ancient Greek mythology.
In Greek mythology, Kerissa was the nymph who cared for the infant Zeus, the king of gods. She was said to have nursed him on Mount Ida in Crete, where he was hidden from his father Cronus who wanted to devour him. This story emphasizes Kerissa's role as a nurturer and protector.
Throughout history, the name Kerissa has been carried by notable figures. One such figure is Saint Kerissa, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century. She was known for her faith and courage in the face of persecution during the Roman Empire.
Today, Kerissa continues to be a unique and enchanting name. It is often used as an alternative to more traditional names like Christina or Katherine. Despite its rarity, it carries with it a rich history and a strong association with Greek mythology and Christian tradition.
The name Kerissa experienced a surge in popularity during the late 1970s to early 1990s, with peaks occurring in 1980 (15 births) and 1994 (29 births). However, after 1994, there was a significant decline in its usage, with fewer than 20 births per year from 1995 onwards. The name reached its lowest point in the provided data in recent years, with only 5 births recorded in both 2012 and 2019. Overall, between 1975 and 2019, there were a total of 502 babies named Kerissa born worldwide.