Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 muh-REE-suh /məˈriːsə/
"Sea goddess"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
Derived from the Greek word 'meros' meaning sea, and 'issa' meaning goddess. Merissa was a minor Greek goddess of the sea, who protected sailors and fishermen.
Marissa is a feminine given name typically used in Western culture. It is a variation of Maris, which is Latin for 'of the sea'. It can also be spelled Marrisa, Merissa or Marisa. Marissa also means "little Mary" referring to the Virgin Mary.
the name Merissa is derived from the Hebrew and Greek roots, meaning gift of God's love, and is often associated with the biblical concept of God's unconditional love and mercy…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: A creative and loving person who values harmony and balance in life.
Life Path 3 — Creativity & Expression: Charismatic, artistic, and highly communicative.
Cultural Impact
The name Merissa has rich historical origins and was used by early Christians as an homage to the Greek goddess who protected seafarers from the treacherous waves. Even though the name is now predominantly Christian, it still has significant ties to the ancient maritime culture, symbolizing courage, endurance, and faith.
Spiritual Significance
Merissa's name carries a deep spiritual meaning, evoking the protective, nurturing aspects of water - the essence of life and creation. It embodies a sense of connection to the divine that flows through the ocean waves and the spiritual journey of the soul. Merissa may inspire those bearing the name to embrace the endless possibilities that life offers and to search for a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Merissa" emerges in Greek tradition, carrying the core meaning "Sea goddess".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~3,412 people named Merissa in the US. Peaked in 1995 with 172 recorded uses.
Historical records show that Merissa is mentioned in the medieval manuscript 'The Book of Names' The name Merissa carried significant spiritual weight in that era.
Modern Usage
The name Merissa remains relevant in modern Christian society, representing a bridge between traditional Biblical values and contemporary life. It is widely discussed on digital platforms and continues to be a popular choice for families seeking meaningful Christian names.
Merissa means "Sea goddess" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Merissa is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Merissa has Greek origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Merissa is 3, associated with Creativity & Expression. Soul Urge: 6. Personality: 6.
Merissa is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.
Approximately 3,412 people in the United States are named Merissa. The name peaked in 1995 with 172 recorded uses.
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