Anissa

Anissa is an English feminine name that likely developed as an elaborated form of Annis, itself a medieval English variant of Agnes, which traces back through Latin and Greek to the Greek word hagnos, meaning pure or holy. The addition of the suffix -a gives the name a more lyrical, modern quality that gained popularity in the twentieth century. Agnes and its many offshoots were common throughout medieval Europe due to the veneration of Saint Agnes, a third-century Roman martyr. Related forms include Annis, Agnes, Annissa, and Anis.