Kerissa is a unique and captivating name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "keras", which means "horn". This name has a rich history and was often associated with ancient Greek mythology.
In Greek mythology, Kerissa was the nymph who cared for the infant Zeus, the king of gods. She was said to have nursed him on Mount Ida in Crete, where he was hidden from his father Cronus who wanted to devour him. This story emphasizes Kerissa's role as a nurturer and protector.
Throughout history, the name Kerissa has been carried by notable figures. One such figure is Saint Kerissa, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century. She was known for her faith and courage in the face of persecution during the Roman Empire.
Today, Kerissa continues to be a unique and enchanting name. It is often used as an alternative to more traditional names like Christina or Katherine. Despite its rarity, it carries with it a rich history and a strong association with Greek mythology and Christian tradition.
The name Kerissa has been quite popular in the United States since the late 1970s, with its peak popularity occurring between 1986 and 1994. During this period, there were consistently more than 15 births each year for girls named Kerissa.
In fact, between 1986 and 1994, there was an average of 20 births per year for the name Kerissa. This is a significant increase compared to the years prior, where there were typically only about 8 births per year.
However, after 1995, the popularity of the name Kerissa began to decline. By 2004, the number of births for girls named Kerissa had decreased significantly, with only 7 births recorded that year. This trend continued through 2014, with an average of less than 6 births per year during this period.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Kerissa has still been given to over 500 babies in total in the United States since 1975. While it may not be as common today as it once was, there are still many young women and girls named Kerissa who carry on this unique name's legacy.