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Larissa

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Variation of Larisa, Greek and Russian
"citadel"

Larissa Origin and Meaning

The name Larissa is a girl's name of Greek, Russian origin meaning "citadel".

Larissa is a nymph name that's daintily pretty and a fresh alternative to Melissa or Alyssa. Though this is the more common variation in the Western World, the original is actually Larisa.

And though it may sound like a typical Edwardian/Victorian appellation, Larissa was hardly heard here before 1967, which was two years after the release of the hit film Doctor Zhivago, whose heroine was Larissa, called Lara, the inspiration for the haunting 'Lara's Theme.'

In Greek mythology, Larissa or Larisa was a nymph who was a daughter of Pegasus and loved by Mercury. In 1991, her name was given to a moon of Neptune, in honor of the nymph.

Today, Larissa is a very attractive yet underused choice that might appeal to parents who like such feminine names as Melissa and Marissa but are seeking something a bit fresher.

# 853 in the US

Larissa Rank in US Top 1000

# 702 on Nameberry

Larissa Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Larissa Popularity

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Famous People Named Larissa

  • Saint Larissa4th century Goth martyr
  • Larissa Hope WilsonEnglish actress
  • Larissa FrançaBrazilian beach volleyball player
  • Larissa Joy WatersAustralian Senator
  • Larissa Costa (Silva de Oliveira)Miss Brazil 2009
  • Larissa Ramos (Costa)Brazilian Miss Earth 2009
  • Larissa LaiCanadian novelist
  • Larissa Tahireh "Lara" GiddingsAustralian politician, 44th premier of Tasmania
  • Larissa MeekAmerican beauty queen and reality TV personality
  • Larissa del Mar Fiallo (Scanlón)Miss Dominican Republic Universe 2004
  • Larissa Mabel Riquelme (Frutos)Paraguayan model and actress
  • Larissa Rose CrummerAustralian soccer player

Larissa in Pop Culture

  • LarissaGreek nymph
  • Larissaminor character in Lois Lowry's "The Giver"
  • Larissacapital of Thessaly, Greece
  • Larissamoon of Neptune
  • Larissa "Lardo" Duancharacter in webcomic "Check Please!"