Nerissa

Female name

Nerissa Name Meaning and Origin

Nerissa originates from the Greek word "Nereis," which refers to a sea nymph in Greek mythology. Nereids were daughters of Nereus, the Old Man of the Sea, known for their beauty and helpfulness to sailors. Nerissa's history is rooted in ancient Greek mythology. The name gained popularity through literature, particularly Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," where Nerissa is Portia's witty and loyal handmaid. Nerissa is associated with qualities of grace, beauty, and loyalty. It evokes a sense of the sea and classical literature.

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People Also Ask About Nerissa

What does the name Nerissa mean?

Nerissa originates from the Greek word "Nereis," which refers to a sea nymph in Greek mythology. Nereids were daughters of Nereus, the Old Man of the Sea, known for their beauty and helpfulness to sailors.

Is Nerissa a boy or girl name?

Nerissa is traditionally a girl's name. According to U.S. Social Security Administration data, Nerissa has been predominantly used for female babies.

How popular is the name Nerissa?

The popularity of Nerissa has varied throughout American history. According to U.S. Social Security Administration data from 1880 to 2024, the name has experienced different levels of usage over the decades. The popularity trend chart shows the complete historical data for Nerissa.

What is the origin of Nerissa?

Nerissa has Greek origins. The name has been used across different cultures and time periods, with its roots tracing back to Greek linguistic and cultural traditions. Explore more Greek girl names →

When was Nerissa most popular in the United States?

The peak popularity of Nerissa can be identified through historical SSA data spanning from 1880 to 2024. The popularity trend chart displays year-by-year statistics, showing when the name reached its highest usage and how its popularity has changed over different decades.

Numerology Analysis

Unlocking the hidden meaning behind Nerissa's name

Life Path Number4

4: The Master Builder

The Life Path Number 4 represents builders who create lasting foundations through dedication and systematic effort.

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Personality & Traits

Grounded, practical, and reliable, 4s are the rock of society. They believe in hard work, tradition, and order. They are organized, logical, and extremely disciplined in their approach to life.

❤️

Love & Relationships

4s take love seriously. They are not into flings; they want a partner for life. They offer stability and loyalty, and they expect the same in return. Trust is paramount.

💼

Career & Purpose

Excellence in structure and detail makes 4s great engineers, architects, accountants, project managers, and builders. They ensure things are done right.

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Shadow Side

Rigidity and resistance to change can hold a 4 back. Learning to be flexible and open to new methods is their life lesson.

Key Characteristics

#Stability#Hard Work#Practicality#Reliable#Organized
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The Name Doctor's Verdict

Professional take on Nerissa

Why you should choose it

  • Uniquely yours! Nerissa is a distinctive choice that stands out in a playground of common names.
  • It sounds melodic and has a wonderful "mouthfeel" when spoken aloud.

Things to consider

  • Be prepared for "Can you spell that?" It's unique, but might require occasional correction.
AI-generated opinion based on trends and name characteristics.

Personality Traits

People named Nerissa often exhibit:

  • Balanced and harmonious nature
  • Nurturing and supportive
  • Stability and hard work

Quick Facts

Gender
Female
Origin
Greek

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Popularity Trend

Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name statistics (1880–2024)

Compare Nerissa with Popular Names

See detailed popularity graphs, origin comparisons, and meaning differences.

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⏳ Time Travel with Nerissa

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