Taissa first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Taissa has been for the last 12 years (from 1978 to 1989) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Taissa

A feminine name of Russian origin meaning "bright winter's day".

Popularity of Taissa by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Taissa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1989, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Taissa.

Year Male Count Female Count
1989 0 5
1978 0 5

The history of the first name Taissa

The name Taissa has its origins in the Greek language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek word "thaissa," which means "cheerful" or "joyful." The name was popular in the Greek-speaking regions of the Mediterranean during the classical era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Taissa can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the 5th century BCE. He mentioned a woman named Taissa in his work "The Histories," although details about her life are scarce.

In the Byzantine era, the name Taissa gained popularity among the Eastern Orthodox Christian community. It was often given to girls born on religious holidays or feast days associated with joy and celebration. The name's positive connotation made it a favored choice for parents seeking to bestow a sense of happiness and cheer upon their daughters.

Throughout history, several notable figures bore the name Taissa. One of the earliest was Taissa of Constantinople, a 5th-century Byzantine noblewoman known for her philanthropic efforts and support of the arts. Another prominent Taissa was Saint Taissa of Egypt, a 4th-century ascetic and nun who lived in the Nitrian Desert and was renowned for her piety and devotion to the Christian faith.

In the 19th century, Taissa Andreyevna Tolstaya (1823–1904) was a Russian noble and the wife of the famous writer Leo Tolstoy. She played a significant role in preserving and promoting her husband's literary legacy.

More recently, Taissa Farmiga (born 1994) is an American actress known for her roles in various films and television series, including "The Nun," "The Conjuring" franchise, and "American Horror Story."

While the name Taissa has maintained its Greek roots, it has also gained popularity in other cultures and languages over time. Its positive meaning and melodic sound have contributed to its enduring appeal across generations.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Taissa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Taissa, please contact us.

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"Taissa first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 6, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/taissa-meaning-and-history/.

"Taissa first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/taissa-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 6 June, 2025

Taissa first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/taissa-meaning-and-history/.

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