Risa is a female given name of Italian origin, commonly found in Japanese culture. The name is a short form of Marisa and carries the meaning of "short form of Marisa." It can be written using different kanji characters, each carrying its own distinct meanings such as "pear, coloring," "village, silk gauze," and "reason, aid." The name has been borne by notable individuals including Japanese actress and singer Risa Goto, Filipino socialist activist Risa Hontiveros, and Canadian visual artist Risa Horowitz. Additionally, Risa has been featured as a character in various fictional works, including the anime and manga series D.N.Angel and Lovely Complex. Overall, Risa is a versatile and culturally rich name that has made its mark in both real-life and fictional contexts.