Grace or beloved
Derived from the Greek word 'charis', meaning grace or kindness. It gained popularity in the late 20th century as a more elaborate alternative to names like Carrie or Cara. In some contexts, it is also associated with the Latin 'carus', meaning dear or beloved.
Less common today
Carissa isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #240 in 1992.
Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion surfer
Member of the pop duo Us The Duo
American television host and sportscaster
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
