Larissa

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

# 771 on Nameberry

Larissa Rank in Nameberry Top 1000

Larissa Popularity

Famous People Named Larissa

  • Saint Larissa
    4th century Goth martyr
  • Larissa Hope Wilson
    English actress
  • Larissa França
    Brazilian beach volleyball player
  • Larissa Joy Waters
    Australian Senator
  • Larissa Costa (Silva de Oliveira)
    Miss Brazil 2009
  • Larissa Ramos (Costa)
    Brazilian Miss Earth 2009
  • Larissa Lai
    Canadian novelist
  • Larissa Tahireh "Lara" Giddings
    Australian politician, 44th premier of Tasmania
  • Larissa Meek
    American 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 Crummer
    Australian soccer player

Larissa in Pop Culture

  • Larissa
    Greek nymph
  • Larissa
    minor character in Lois Lowry's "The Giver"
  • Larissa
    capital of Thessaly, Greece
  • Larissa
    moon of Neptune
  • Larissa "Lardo" Duan
    character in webcomic "Check Please!"

Larissa in Nameberry Blog Posts