Thoughts on Nerissa?

[Janedamaz]

Hi MNers,

I was pretty set on Lucy or Esme for our baby girl due in 3 weeks when a name suggested along these baby names threads stopped me in my tracks...

Nerissa

It’s the name of Portia’s lady-in-waiting in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice.

What are your thoughts on this name? Our last name is one syllable.
I find it absolutely stunning but wonder if it’s not too “out there” or if she will spend her life correcting people on how to pronounce and spell it.

Ps: don’t remember where it was suggested so I can’t give credit where it is due but will if I find it, promise!

I don't hate it but much prefer Lucy or Esme

I've never come across it so it looks made up to my eyes (but I'm not suggesting it is)

Wasn't that Draco Malfoy's mum in HP?

@BramStoker I agree it’s very unusual. Maybe as a middle name! I wonder why it hasn’t been adopted more as part of the Shakespearean names (Olivia is mega popular, Cassandra is well known, Portia is heard of from time to time, etc)

It sounds made up. I don’t like it but if you love it then go for it. It’s better than having an overused name IMO.

@JosephineBaker almost! But hers is Narcissa (which I hate)

I hate to say it but it reminds me of Dacro Malfoys mum in HP. That apart it’s just a bit undistinguished.

I like Esme or Lucy more, or have another look I’d say.

Love Nerissa. Really interesting.
Also love Hero (Shakespeare Much Ado) for a girl.

Err... Have you read Merchant of Venice? Shakespeare uses the character of Nerissa for all the dirty jokes (because Portia is too high class). The final lines of the play are about shagging her!

My first thought was that she will probably have people mis-hearing her name as Marissa. It does sound a bit made up.

Pretty, but I prefer Lucy.

I know a Nerissa and it suits her beautifully. I think she's about 7 or 8.

I think it will be mistaken for more popular -issa names like Melissa, Clarissa etc

Lucy and Esme are much better names imo

@SirSamuelVimes I haven’t read the Merchant of Venice! Find it quite funny she’s used as the gossip girl of the play to be honest. I shall definitely give it a read, thanks for the insight!

@RedGoldAndGreene good point. It would be annoying to always have your name mixed up as another. Thanks!

It's gorgeous.

Go with Lucy.

It's classic with a fresh feel and not overused.

I like it.

She's a good character overall, fiery! But that final couplet of the play about keeping safe her ring...

@TurkishTealight thank you, that’s exactly the feel I’m looking for, Lucy is my DH favourite although he loves Esme as well. It’s so hard to choose!
I might sneak in my “out there” Shakespearean name in the middle.

I would definitely go with Lucy over Emse. Lucy Nerissa is a good sounding combo!

@SirSamuelVimes not ideal, I agree! but then I doubt people will be as knowledgeable as you are (I’m impressed!)

I think you should! Lucy Nerissa is beeautiful in my humble opinion. Very pretty.

I do like it. It reminds me of the Welsh name Nerys. I think it can be a diminutive of Nera, the feminine form of Nero.

I like it. Used to know (fifty years ago!) a Nerida. Thought that was lovely. Nice meaning too - similar names here (including Nerissa).
nameberry.com/babyname/Nerida

@SeanChailleach ouuuh I like Nerys! I don’t think we can pull it off having 0 Welsh roots though :(