Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 NEH-ris-uh /ˈnɛrɪsə/
"From Greek 'Nereus', meaning 'man of the sea'"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
Nerissa is a female name derived from the Greek name 'Nereus', which means 'man of the sea'. In Greek mythology, Nereus was a god of the sea, known for his ability to change shape. Nerissa may have been a name given to girls born near the sea, as a nod to the power and mystery of the water. In Christianity, Nerissa can be seen as a reminder of God's infinite power and the vastness of His love.
Nerissa is a feminine given name, and may refer to:Nerissa Bowes-Lyon (1919–1986), cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, subject of the Channel 4 documentary "The Queen's Hidden Cousins" Nerissa Bretania Underwood, Guamanian politician Nerissa Brockenburr Stickney (1913–1960), American pianist Nerissa Chesterfield, British political aide Nerissa Corazon Soon-Ruiz, Filipino politician Nerissa Nields, American rock and folk musician Thea Nerissa Barnes (1952–2018), American professional dancer Nerissa Ravencroft, virtual YouTuber
Nerissa, feminine given name, means 'victory, triumph, power'. Originating from Greek names, Nerissa signifies 'victory, triumph'. In Christian tradition, the name Nerissa is used, particularly in the…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: Nerissa is a name that carries a strong vibration of nurturing and caring. It is a name that is well-suited for those who are naturally caring and compassionate, and who have a deep desire to help others. Numerologically, the number 6 is associated with love, harmony, and balance, and Nerissa is a name that embodies these qualities.
Life Path 4 — Stability & Hard Work: Reliable, disciplined, and exceptionally organized.
Cultural Impact
Nerissa's name evokes images of the sea, and the rich cultural heritage associated with it. The name carries a sense of being rooted to one's ancestry and place of origin. In many countries, the sea is a symbol of exploration, discovery, and new beginnings. For those named Nerissa, their name can be a source of inspiration, representing a connection to the natural world and a sense of adventure.
Spiritual Significance
Nerissa's name can be viewed as a reminder of the vastness and depth of God's love and wisdom. Just as the sea covers a vast expanse and holds an incredible diversity of life, God's love and knowledge are boundless. Nerissa's name can serve as a reminder of the spiritual potential that lies within us, and the depths of the divine that we can explore through our connection to God. Additionally, the transformative power of water can symbolize the transformative power of God's grace and the ability to change and grow.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Nerissa" emerges in Greek tradition, carrying the core meaning "From Greek 'Nereus', meaning 'man of the sea'".
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.
~1,968 people named Nerissa in the US. Peaked in 1979 with 73 recorded uses.
In the medieval romance 'Silence', the protagonist Sigismund falls in love with a beautiful but mute woman named Nerissa. She is revealed to be the long-lost daughter of King Nerides of Greece. The tale is believed to have been written between the 13th and 15th centuries.
In 'The Two Noble Kinsmen' by William Shakespeare, the character Nerissa is a lady-in-waiting to the Duke's wife, Emilia, and is engaged to Cloten, a minor character. Shakespeare's play is believed to have been written between 1601 and 1613.
Modern Usage
In modern times, the name Nerissa is often associated with a strong and independent woman. It is a name that evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue, making it a popular choice among parents looking for a unique and beautiful name for their daughter.
Nerissa means "From Greek 'Nereus', meaning 'man of the sea'" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Nerissa is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Nerissa has Greek origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Nerissa is 4, associated with Stability & Hard Work. Soul Urge: 6. Personality: 7.
Nerissa is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.
Approximately 1,968 people in the United States are named Nerissa. The name peaked in 1979 with 73 recorded uses.
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