Marissa is a beautiful and elegant name of Italian origin. It is derived from the male name "Mario," which means "masculine" or "rebellious" in Italian. The name Marissa was first used as a female name in the late 19th century, but it gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s.
One of the most famous people named Marissa is actress Marissa Jaret Winokur, who won a Tony Award for her role in the musical "Hairspray." Other notable individuals with this name include singer Marissa Nadler and figure skater Marissa Castelli.
While the meaning behind the name Marissa is not well-defined, it is often associated with positivity and strength. Some people believe that those named Marissa are confident, determined, and passionate about their goals. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
In terms of popularity, Marissa was a popular name in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s but has since declined in usage. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it ranked #576 in popularity for girls born in 2019.
Overall, Marissa is a charming and distinctive name with Italian roots. Despite its masculine origin, it has become widely associated with femininity and grace. Whether you're considering this name for your daughter or simply appreciate its unique sound, Marissa is certainly worth taking into account.
The name Marissa experienced significant growth in popularity from the mid-20th century onwards. From just 5 births recorded in 1936, it became one of the top names for girls by the late 1970s, with over 1,000 births per year consistently until the early 2000s. The peak popularity was reached in 1984 with 1,890 births. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, reaching a total of only 137 births in 2023. Overall, there have been 120,558 recorded births with the name Marissa since 1936.