Larissa

“citadel”

Greek origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1478US 2023

148Births / yr

↑Rising

22.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 194600.04% of births at peak

How to pronounce Larissa

lah·REE·suh

/lɑ.ˈriː.sə/ · stress on REE · 3 syllables

“citadel”

Greek origin · Girl name

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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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

How popular is Larissa right now?

Rising fast — up 87 spots — currently #1478 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2023#1478 · Top 1.1%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Larissa

Best Year1990Rank #402

Peak Count647

Average Rank#1417

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1950 - 202318 years

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:

Jessica Ashley Emily Samantha Sarah

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?

CROATIAN

Lara

DUTCH

Lara

ENGLISH

Lara

FRENCH

Lara

Famous people named Larissa

Larissa (ancient philosopher)

Larissa bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.

Larissa (Greek mythological figure)

Larissa carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

Larissa (Byzantine leader)

Larissa used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

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 2025

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What names sound and feel like Larissa?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Larissa also consider these

American · A beloved name

How is Larissa written in other languages?

Λαρισα

Ancient Greek

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.