Karessa
A feminine name of uncertain origin, potentially from Greek words meaning "cherished".
Name Census estimates that about 432 living Americans carry the first name Karessa. The name is used almost exclusively for girls. The average person named Karessa today is around 35 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Karessa births was 1988 (31 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Karessa. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
432
~ 1 in 793,413 Americans
Peak year
1988
31 babies that year
Average age
35
years old
2014 SSA rank
#15,573
Tracked since 1970
Popularity
Karessa: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Karessa from the 1970s through to the 2010s, spanning 5 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 1980s, with 161 total registrations. Usage has dropped considerably from its 1980s peak. The most recent decade brought in only a fraction of the registrations that the name once attracted.
Babies born per year
Decades
Karessa by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Karessa during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Karessas live
Origin
Meaning and history of Karessa
The name Karessa has its origins in Greek, derived from the word "charisma," which means grace or favor. It is a feminine name that emerged in the late 20th century as a modern creation, blending elements of traditional Greek names with a contemporary flair.
While the name itself does not have a long historical record, its roots can be traced back to ancient Greek culture and language. The concept of "charisma" was highly valued in Greek society, often associated with divine gifts, leadership qualities, and personal charm.
One of the earliest known references to the name Karessa can be found in a work of fiction published in the late 1970s, where it was used as a character's name. This literary appearance helped to introduce the name to a wider audience and contribute to its rising popularity.
Throughout the years, several notable individuals have borne the name Karessa. One such example is Karessa Fazio (born 1989), an American model and actress who has appeared in various TV shows and films. Another is Karessa McLaughlin (born 1990), a Canadian-American professional soccer player who has played for clubs in both countries.
In the world of literature, Karessa Hoskins (born 1979) is a British author known for her children's books and young adult fiction. She has published several novels and won acclaim for her engaging storytelling and relatable characters.
Moving to the realm of music, Karessa Norris (born 1988) is an American singer-songwriter and musician. She has released several albums and EPs, showcasing her soulful vocals and introspective lyrics.
While not as common as some other names, Karessa has gained a modest following in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its unique blend of Greek roots and modern flair has appealed to parents seeking a distinctive name with a touch of elegance and grace.
People
Karessa + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Karessa as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with K
Other first names starting with K with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Karessa: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Karessa?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 432 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Karessa going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 793,413 US residents.
Is Karessa a common name?
We classify Karessa as "Very Rare". It ranks above 83.1% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 452 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Karessa most popular?
The single biggest year for Karessa was 1988, when 31 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Karessa is about 35 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Karessa a female name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Karessa in the SSA data are female. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.