Larisa is a feminine given name that originated from the Greek word Larissa, which means citadel or fortress. In Greek mythology, Larisa was the name of a nymph who was loved by the god Apollo. Larisa is also the name of a city in Thessaly, Greece, which was an important cultural and political center in ancient times. The name Larisa has been popularized in many cultures, including Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian, where it is often spelled Larisa or Larysa. Larisa is a versatile name that has been associated with various meanings, such as sea in Hawaiian, lake in Slavic, and protection in Arabic. Larisa has been a popular name for girls in the United States since the 1970s and has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for girls. Larisa is also a popular name in many other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. There are several notable people with the name Larisa, including Larisa Oleynik, an American actress known for her role in the TV series The Secret World of Alex Mack, and Larisa Latynina, a Soviet gymnast who won 18 Olympic medals. In addition to its human associations, Larisa is also the name of a moon of Neptune, discovered in 1981. Larisa is a unique and beautiful name that has been celebrated in various cultures and traditions, making it a special and meaningful choice for parents around the world.

The root form of Larisa is Larisa — meaning Citadel.

Larisa remains a beloved choice, ranking #6 in the US. Timeless appeal across cultures and generations.