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Home › Baby Names Directory › Larisa

Larisa

♀ Girl

Pronounced lə-REE-sah /ləˈri.sɑ/Medium

Meaning: A spelling of Larissa — from Greek, 'a citadel' and the name of an ancient city; also folk-linked to Latin 'cheerful'; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A citadel; cheerful: Larisa spells Larissa — 'a citadel'. Lyrical, classic, and warm (said 'lə-REE-sah').
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Origin LowGreek
MeaningA spelling of Larissa — from Greek, 'a citadel' and the name of an ancient city; also folk-linked to Latin 'cheerful'; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#7705 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births14 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1993
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,444

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199319512025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Larisa is a spelling of Larissa — from Greek, 'a citadel', and the name of an ancient city in Thessaly (also folk-linked to Latin laetitia, 'cheerfulness'; routes layered, which we note). A lyrical, classic name across Greek and Slavic worlds (said 'lə-REE-sah'; nickname Lara).

In the U.S. it appears in Slavic and Greek families. Rare in this spelling, a-citadel at the root, and lyrical.

Did you know? Larissa is variously 'a citadel' and the name of an ancient Greek city — Larisa is a spelling, lyrical and classic (also folk-linked to Latin 'cheerful'; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'lə-REE-sah').
Overall data confidence 55%
Behind the Name — Larissa — routes layered

Variations

LarissaLaryssaLara

Nicknames

Lara

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Larisa…

Larissa— the common spelling
Clarissa— a sound-neighbor -rissa girls' name
Marissa— a fellow -rissa girls' name
Lara— the short form

Explore names like Larisa

By themeuncertaingreekslavic
By meaningJoy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Larisa mean?

Larisa spells Larissa — Greek 'a citadel' and an ancient city; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Larisa?

It's said lə-REE-sah /ləˈri.sɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Larisa a boy or girl name?

Larisa is a girl's name.

How popular is Larisa?

Larisa is a rare name in the U.S.

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