Marisa is a beautiful name that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The name is of Spanish and Italian origin, and it has several possible meanings. One interpretation is “drop of the sea,” which refers to the idea of a small piece of the ocean. Another meaning is “bitter,” which can be interpreted in various ways. Finally, Marisa can also be translated as “beloved + famous battle,” which is a unique and powerful combination.
The name Marisa has a rich history and has been used in various cultures for centuries. It has gained popularity in the United States in recent years, and many parents are choosing the name for their baby girls. The name is often associated with strength, beauty, and resilience, and it has a timeless quality that makes it a great choice for any child. Whether you are looking for a name with a strong meaning or simply love the sound of Marisa, it is a great option for any family.
Origin and Meaning of Marisa
Marisa is a girl’s name that has its roots in different languages and cultures. The name is derived from the Latin word ‘maris,’ which means ‘of the sea.’ It also has Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese origins and is a contracted familiar nickname for Maria Isabel (Mary Elizabeth) or Maria Luisa (Mary Louise).
In Japanese, Marisa is pronounced as ‘mah-ree-sah’ and is derived from the kanji characters ‘真’ meaning ‘true’ or ‘reality,’ ‘麗’ meaning ‘beautiful’ or ‘graceful,’ and ‘沙’ meaning ‘sand.’ In Provençal and Gascon, it is a cognate of Maryse.
The name Marisa gained popularity in the United States in the early 20th century and peaked in the late 1970s, when it was in the top 200 names for baby girls. It has since become less popular, but it still remains a feasible choice for parents looking for a unique yet familiar name.
Marisa is often compared to the name Melissa, which also has Greek origins and means ‘honey bee.’ However, Marisa never became as saturated as its cousin Melissa, making it a less common but still recognizable name.
Overall, Marisa is a beautiful and unique name with a rich history and meaning. Its origins in different languages and cultures make it a versatile choice for parents looking for a name with both depth and beauty.
Popularity of the Name
Marisa is a name that has been around for a long time. It has its roots in Hebrew and means “of the sea.” The name has been used in various cultures, including Spanish and Italian, and has gained popularity over the years.
According to BabyCenter user data, Marisa was ranked #2325 in popularity in 2023, which is a significant increase from its 2022 ranking of #6344. This suggests that the name is becoming more popular among parents.
Nameberry also provides some insight into the popularity of the name Marisa. They report that the name has never become as saturated as its cousin Melissa, making it a feasible choice for parents looking for a unique name. In 2017, Marisa was ranked #591 on Nameberry’s list of popular baby names.
Overall, while Marisa may not be a top 10 name, it is certainly gaining popularity among parents. Its unique sound and meaning make it a great choice for parents looking for a name that is both beautiful and meaningful.
Famous People Named Marisa
The name Marisa has been given to many famous people across different fields, from acting to music. Here are some of the most notable individuals with the name Marisa:
Marisa Tomei
Marisa Tomei is an American actress who has appeared in numerous films and television series. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film “My Cousin Vinny” and has also appeared in films such as “The Wrestler” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”
Marisa Berenson
Marisa Berenson is an American actress and model who has appeared in films such as “Cabaret” and “Barry Lyndon.” She has also worked as a model for brands such as Chanel and Versace.
Marisa Monte
Marisa Monte is a Brazilian singer and songwriter who has released numerous albums throughout her career. She is known for her eclectic musical style, which incorporates elements of samba, jazz, and pop.
Marisa Ramirez
Marisa Ramirez is an American actress who has appeared in television series such as “General Hospital” and “Blue Bloods.” She is also known for her role as Maria Baez in the latter series.
Marisa Coughlan
Marisa Coughlan is an American actress who has appeared in films such as “Teaching Mrs. Tingle” and “Freddy Got Fingered.” She has also appeared in television series such as “Bones” and “The Vampire Diaries.”
Marisa Merlini
Marisa Merlini was an Italian actress who appeared in numerous films throughout her career. She is known for her roles in films such as “La Dolce Vita” and “Divorce Italian Style.”
Marisa Catalina Casey
Marisa Catalina Casey is an Australian actress and writer who has appeared in films such as “The Sapphires” and “The Dressmaker.” She is also a published author and has written several books.
Other notable individuals
Other notable individuals with the name Marisa include American graphic designer Marisa Kirisame and American photographer Marisa Coulter.
Marisa in Literature and Media
The name Marisa has made its appearance in various literary works and media. Here are some notable mentions:
-
Marisa Coulter: A character in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, Marisa Coulter is a beautiful and intelligent woman who is also cunning and manipulative. She is the mother of Lyra Belacqua’s best friend, Roger, and plays a significant role in the trilogy’s storyline.
-
Marisa Kirisame: A character in the Touhou Project video game series, Marisa Kirisame is a human magician who is always seeking to improve her magical abilities. She is known for her signature move, the Master Spark, which is a powerful beam of light.
-
Marisa Sarratore: A character in the novel “The Poet of Tolstoy Park” by Sonny Brewer, Marisa Sarratore is a young woman who falls in love with the main character, Henry Stuart. She is portrayed as a kind and caring person who helps Henry in his journey towards self-discovery.
-
Marisa Turner: A character in the Disney Channel series K.C. Undercover, Marisa Turner is the best friend of the main character, K.C. Cooper. She is portrayed as a fashionista who is always up-to-date with the latest trends and styles.
-
Countess New Kiev: A character in the film Barry Lyndon, Countess New Kiev is a wealthy and beautiful woman who is pursued by the main character, Barry Lyndon. She is portrayed as a cunning and manipulative woman who uses her beauty to her advantage.
-
Marissa Cooper: A character in the television series The O.C., Marissa Cooper is a troubled teenager who is struggling with addiction and depression. She is portrayed as a complex character who is dealing with a lot of emotional baggage.
Overall, the name Marisa has been used to portray a range of different characters in literature and media. From cunning and manipulative to kind and caring, the name has been associated with a variety of personalities and traits.
Meaning of Marisa in Different Cultures
Marisa is a name that has different meanings in various cultures. Here are some of the meanings associated with the name Marisa:
Spanish and Italian
In Spanish and Italian, Marisa is derived from the names Maria and Luisa. The name Marisa means “bitter” or “beloved.” In some cases, it is also associated with the sea, with the name being translated to “drop of the sea.” Marisa is a popular name in Spain and Italy, and it is often used as a nickname for Maria Isabel or Maria Luisa.
Japanese
In Japanese, the name Marisa is derived from the kanji characters 真 (meaning “true” or “reality”), 麗 (meaning “beautiful” or “graceful”), and 沙 (meaning “sand”). The name Marisa is not as common in Japan as it is in other countries, but it is still a feasible choice for parents who are looking for a unique name for their daughter.
Romanian and French
In Romanian, Marisa is used as a diminutive of Maria. In French, Marisa is a cognate of Maryse. The name Marisa is not as common in these countries as it is in Spain and Italy, but it is still a recognizable name.
Brazil and Germany
In Brazil, the name Marisa is a modern and youthful name that is associated with the heart. In Germany, Marisa is a name that is associated with the heart, with the name being translated to “heart Mela,” “heart Carissa,” or “heart Marisa.”
Famous Battle
Finally, the name Marisa is also associated with a famous battle. The Battle of Marisa was fought between the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanid Empire in the 6th century. While the name Marisa is not directly related to the battle, it is still a fascinating piece of history associated with the name.
In conclusion, the name Marisa has different meanings in various cultures. It is a name that is associated with the sea, the heart, and a famous battle. Whether you are looking for a unique name for your daughter or simply want to learn more about the name Marisa, there is no doubt that it is a name that has a rich and fascinating history.