Rissa is a delightful female name of American origin, meaning "Illustrious." This name has a rich history and is associated with various contexts, including animals, people, places, and other entities. In the animal kingdom, Rissa is the genus of birds known as kittiwakes, with species like Rissa brevirostris and Rissa tridactyla. Notable figures associated with the name include the German artist Rissa, who was born in 1938 and is recognized as the wife of Karl Otto Götz. Additionally, Rissa is linked to geographical locations such as the former municipality in Norway and a village in Trøndelag county. The name also has connections to a Finnish merchant ship and a Norwegian sports club. Rissa embodies a sense of distinction and carries a unique charm within its American roots.