Nerissa
Nerissa is an girl name of Italian, possibly from Greek origin, meaning “Possibly 'sea nymph'”.
| Meaning | Possibly 'sea nymph' |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Italian, possibly from Greek |
| Pronunciation | neh-RIS-uh |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United Kingdom, United States |
Meaning and origin of Nerissa
Nerissa is best known as Portia's witty maid in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Shakespeare may have adapted an Italian form, and the name is often linked to the Greek Nereids, the sea nymphs who were daughters of Nereus, which gives the popular meaning 'from the sea'. Others connect it to the Italian nero, 'black'; neither explanation is certain.
Is Nerissa a religious name?
Nerissa is a literary name from Shakespeare and has no religious background.
How popular is Nerissa?
Rare, occasionally chosen by parents who like Shakespearean names.
Gifts with the name Nerissa
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Spellings and variants of Nerissa
Names similar to Nerissa
More girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nerissa mean?
Nerissa means 'Possibly 'sea nymph''. It is of Italian, possibly from Greek origin.
Does Nerissa have a religious meaning?
Nerissa is a literary name from Shakespeare and has no religious background.
How do you pronounce Nerissa?
Nerissa is pronounced neh-RIS-uh.
Is Nerissa a boy or girl name?
Nerissa is usually a girl name.