Raíssa: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity".It derives from the Hebrew word "Rāḫēl > râchêl".
Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Raíssa, drawn to its Hebrew heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Raíssa
Quick facts about Raíssa
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Rāḫēl > râchêl
How to Pronounce Raíssa
Raíssa is pronounced /ˈraɪ.sə/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Raí-ssa
Say it like: "RAÍ-SSA"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across portuguese, and portuguese (brazilian) speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
portugueseportuguese (brazilian)
Name Relationships
Raíssa is an affectionate diminutive of Raquel, commonly used in portuguese speaking regions. This shortened form maintains the original meaning while offering a more intimate, familiar tone.
Raíssa means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls.". The name comes from Rāḫēl > râchêl. In its original form, the name derives from Rāḫēl (רָחֵל) Rhākhḗl (Ῥαχήλ). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Raíssa for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Raíssa's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Raíssa?
Raíssa is a hebrew name. The name traces back to Rāḫēl > râchêl. The original form Rāḫēl (רָחֵל) Rhākhḗl (Ῥαχήλ) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Raíssa spread to become common in portuguese, portuguese (brazilian). The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Raíssa a boy or girl name?
Raíssa is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Raíssa has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Raíssa?
Raíssa is pronounced "/ˈraɪ.sə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Raíssa is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in portuguese, portuguese (brazilian), where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Raíssa can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Rāḫēl > râchêl influences how Raíssa sounds in its original language.
What are common nicknames for Raíssa?
Raíssa is commonly used as a nickname for Raquel. As a diminutive of Raquel, Raíssa started as an affectionate short form used by family and close friends. Many people named Raquel go by Raíssa throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In hebrew cultures, using Raíssa as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among girls and women, though some now use Raíssa as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Raíssa on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Raíssa?
Raíssa is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Raíssa offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Raíssa's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Raíssa holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Raíssa commonly used?
Raíssa is common in portuguese and portuguese (brazilian) naming traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Raíssa found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Rāḫēl > râchêl” (Biblical Greek: Rhākhḗl’ Ῥαχήλ’), meaning “ewe, female sheep, one with purity.” Rachel is Jacob’s favorite wife and one of the three Biblical Patriarchs, and Joseph and Benjamin’s mother. She was the daughter of Laban and the younger sister of Leah, Jacob’s first wife. Jacob was her first cousin, and she was the youngest niece of Rebekah. According to the United States, Social Security card applications in 2005, the name of Rachel was 38th of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Raíssa into their naming traditions. A child named Raíssa will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Raíssa is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.