What does Larissa mean and where does it come from?
Larissa has Greek origins, where it means 'citadel' or 'fortress,' and it is also a city in Thessaly, Greece. In Russian, it conveys the meaning of 'cheerful.' The name has been used since ancient times and continues to be popular across various cultures, particularly in Slavic regions. Notable figu
Cultural significance
Larissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of citadel.
Peak popularity
Reached #363 in 1994 — currently #1478 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Larissa?
Larissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Larissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Larissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Larissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Larissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Larissa Jane
Literary · strong
Larissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Larissa right now?
Rising fast — up 87 spots — currently #1478 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1478 | 148 | ▲ up 87 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #1565 | 136 | ▼ down 54 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #1511 | 140 | ▲ up 214 · +21% births |
| 2020 | #1725 | 116 | ▼ down 567 · -47% births |
| 2015 | #1158 | 217 | ▼ down 403 · -41% births |
| 2010 | #755 | 366 | ▼ down 225 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #530 | 544 | ▼ down 43 · -3% births |
| 2000 | #487 | 561 | ▼ down 81 · -13% births |
| 1995 | #406 | 646 | ▼ down 4 |
| 1990 | #402 | 647 | ▲ up 66 · +43% births |
| 1985 | #468 | 453 | ▲ up 20 · +7% births |
| 1980 | #488 | 425 | ▲ up 169 · +83% births |
| 1975 | #657 | 232 | ▼ down 61 · -21% births |
| 1970 | #596 | 295 | ▲ up 1390 · +743% births |
| 1965 | #1986 | 35 | — |
The story of Larissa
Larissa entered American naming records in 1946 and has been in use for over 78 years. A total of 22,807 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5906 in 1950 to #1478 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Larissa in 1994:
Larissa by decade
Larissa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 113 | |
| 1960s | 786 | |
| 1970s | 2,919 | |
| 1980s | 4,817 | |
| 1990s ★ | 6,544 | |
| 2000s | 5,165 | |
| 2010s | 2,341 | |
| 2020s | 116 | |
What are good nicknames for Larissa?
Famous people named Larissa
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Larissa (ancient philosopher)
Larissa bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
L(
Larissa (Greek mythological figure)
Larissa carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
L(
Larissa (Byzantine leader)
Larissa used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
L(
Larissa (Greek poet or artist)
Larissa helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Larissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Larissa also consider these
How is Larissa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Larissa
What does the name Larissa mean?
Larissa means "citadel" — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Larissa?
Larissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Larissa have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Larissa?
Larissa originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Larissa?
Larissa is a three-syllable name pronounced L AA0 R IY1 S AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Larissa?
Larissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.