Kind, dear, or anointed one
Kerissa is a modern American blend, likely combining the Greek-derived 'Keri' or 'Charis' (meaning grace or kindness) with the popular 'issa' suffix. It is often associated with the Latin 'carus' meaning dear, or viewed as a creative elaboration of Karissa.
Less common today
Kerissa isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #3,764 in 1994.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
