US Popularity Rank: 10367

Origin: Gaelic

Meaning: Star of the sea

Maurissa is a girl’s name of Irish and Gaelic origin. As a variant of Maureen, it can be translated as “star of the sea.” This phrasing, or rather “Our Lady, Star of the Sea,” has been particularly used in reference to the Virgin Mary since at least the early medieval period. While its usage was entirely incidental, it has come to be associated with Mary’s role as a guiding star on the way to Christ. Under this epithet, she is also believed to be the protector of seafarers, and as such, there are many coastal churches built in honor of this sentiment. If baby is one among this proud community, then Maurissa can help them sail through the storms and find their way back home—and back to themselves.