[Opinions] Marisa?
My mother and my sister are both named Marissa, although my sis has always been called by her middle name. For some strange reason, my family pronounces their name as mah-REES-uh instead of the traditional mah-RISS-uh. I like the idea of naming a daughter after my mother and sis (sis has said that she will not be using it.) The only thing is, I like the traditional English pronunciation, and the spelling Marisa. So, what do you think? Has Marisa already had its day, or is it a viable choice? Btw, the name we have picked out for a son, Owen Nicholas, is after DH's family. Owen is a surname on his side, and Nicholas is his name, so I would like to name a girl after my family. Sorry that was so long! Thanks in advance.
Replies
I love the name with both spellings. Marissa is pronounced mah-REE-sah in other languages. I actually prefer that pronunciation for both spellings.
I don't think there's a problem at all with using it. I have probably 4 or 5 friends named Marissa - one spells it Marisa, but still pronounces it the way you want to.
I do know of a Marisa who pronounces it mah-REES-uh. The name isn't on my favorites, but I still like it. I think it goes well with Owen and I don't see why you can't use it, especially if it's to honor your mom and your sister.
If you're naming the child after your family members, it only makes sense to me to spell and pronounce it as that family member does. However, I do believe variations of the name are ok (for instance, your grandmother was just Ellie but you want to name your daughter Eleanor after her). But Marissa / Marisa seem too close to be used as a variation to honor the other, if that makes any sense. For the record, I prefer Marissa and prn. mah-RISS-ah. To me, Marisa is mah-REE-sah.
I love the name, and either spelling works for me.
As far as the prnunciation goes, I'm not a native speaker of English so at home I pr. it mah-rees-uh and in English the other way. I like both.
As far as the prnunciation goes, I'm not a native speaker of English so at home I pr. it mah-rees-uh and in English the other way. I like both.
Marisa is entirely usable IMO.
Marisa makes more sense to me as mah-REES-uh. If you want mah-RISS-uh, I'd spell it Marissa.
And no, I don't think Marissa / Marisa is terribly unfashionable, though since it'd be a middle name and a family name, I don't see why that would matter. Fashionability should come second to honouring, IMHO. :)
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And no, I don't think Marissa / Marisa is terribly unfashionable, though since it'd be a middle name and a family name, I don't see why that would matter. Fashionability should come second to honouring, IMHO. :)
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Actually, I meant to use it as a first name. Thank you for your input!
This message was edited 10/16/2007, 10:15 AM