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I don't think people will think you made it up, but I do think it will get lumped into the other names that end in -issa. It's also for that reason that I don't really like it.
I like it. Some people might think that it's a variation of Marissa, but I don't think that everyone will think that you made it up, especially if they have encountered it before.
Loooooove Nerissa!! I don't think people will always think you made it up. I have a friend named Nerissa who loves her name, although she's told me she always gets Marissa instead of Nerissa. She was really excited when I met her and realized her name came from Merchant of Venice. :) I think it's a great name and should be used more.
It's ok. I prefer the similar Nereida though.