US Popularity Rank: 19720

Origin: Scandinavian

Meaning: To try, to test; Woman; Friendly elf

Nissa is a girl’s name of Hebrew, Arabic, and Scandinavian origin. It may derive from the Hebrew verb nisá, meaning “to try” or “to test,” or the Arabic word nisaa, meaning “woman.” Nissa is also a Scandinavian name meaning “friendly elf.” The name appears in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, where Nissa Nissa was the wife of the legendary Azor Ahai. Whichever meaning or origin you prefer, Nissa has a melodious sound that rolls off the tongue, and could be a rarer alternative to Nessa.