Larissa is a name with a rich history and meaning that has been used in various cultures throughout the world. The name is derived from the ancient Greek city of Larisa and has been used as a given name since the 20th century. It is a popular name for girls in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Latvia.
The name Larissa has various meanings depending on its origin. In Greek, it means “citadel” or “fortified city,” while in Latin, it means “cheerful” or “lighthearted.” The name is also associated with a nymph from Greek mythology who was known for her beauty and grace. Today, Larissa is a popular name for baby girls, and its popularity is only increasing with time.
Origin and Meaning of Larissa
Larissa is a feminine given name that has Greek origins. The name is believed to have been derived from the ancient city of Larisa, which means “citadel” in Greek. Larisa was also the name of a nymph in Greek mythology who was the daughter of Pelasgus.
The name Larissa has been used as an English given name since the 20th century, borrowed from the Russian variant of the name. Larissa is a fresh alternative to other popular “issa” ending names such as Melissa or Alyssa.
The name Larissa has a joyful and cheerful meaning. It is derived from the Latin word hilaris, which means “cheerful” or “inspired.” The name has been commonly used in the English-speaking world since the 20th century.
In Ancient Greek, the name is spelled as Λάρισα (Larisa). The Latinized version of the name is also used in Greek mythology.
Overall, Larissa is a beautiful name with a rich history and a joyful meaning.
Popularity of the Name Larissa
Larissa is a girl’s name of Greek origin meaning “citadel.” It’s a name that has been around for a while and has seen some fluctuation in popularity over the years.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the name Larissa ranked as the 1723rd most popular name for baby girls in the United States in 2020. While it’s not a particularly common name, it’s still a lovely choice for parents looking for something a bit less mainstream.
In terms of popularity rank, Larissa has been fairly consistent over the past few decades. It peaked in popularity in the 1990s when it was ranked in the top 500 names for baby girls in the US. However, it has since fallen off a bit and is now ranked outside of the top 1000.
Despite its slightly lower popularity, Larissa is still a name that is well-liked by many parents. It’s a unique and beautiful name that has a timeless quality to it. Plus, it’s a name that can be easily pronounced and spelled, which is always a plus.
Overall, while Larissa may not be the most popular name out there, it’s still a great choice for parents looking for something a bit different.
Larissa in Different Languages
The name Larissa has its roots in Ancient Greek and is used in various countries and languages around the world. Here is a breakdown of how the name is pronounced and spelled in different languages:
- Russian and Ukrainian: Лариса, pronounced “lah-REE-sah”, is a popular name in Russia and Ukraine. It means “citadel” in Greek.
- Dutch: In Dutch, the name is spelled the same way as in English, but it is pronounced with a more guttural “r” sound – “lah-RISS-ah”.
- French: In French, the name is spelled the same way as in English, but it is pronounced with a more nasal “a” sound – “lah-REE-sah”.
- German: In German, the name is spelled and pronounced the same way as in English – “lah-RISS-ah”.
- Spanish: In Spanish, the name is spelled and pronounced the same way as in English – “lah-REE-sah”.
- Romanian: In Romanian, the name is spelled and pronounced the same way as in Russian and Ukrainian – “lah-REE-sah”. It was the 21st most common name for girls born in Romania in 2009 [1].
- Latvian: In Latvian, the name is spelled and pronounced the same way as in Russian and Ukrainian – “lah-REE-sah”.
- Australian: In Australia, the name is spelled and pronounced the same way as in English – “lah-RISS-ah”.
- Italian: In Italian, the name is spelled the same way as in English, but it is pronounced with a more open “a” sound – “lah-REE-sah”.
- Croatian: In Croatian, the name is spelled and pronounced the same way as in Russian and Ukrainian – “lah-REE-sah”.
- Polish: In Polish, the name is spelled and pronounced the same way as in Russian and Ukrainian – “lah-REE-sah”.
- Belarusian: In Belarusian, the name is spelled and pronounced the same way as in Russian and Ukrainian – “lah-REE-sah”.
- Chinese: In Chinese, the name is spelled and pronounced using Chinese characters – 拉里萨 (lā lǐ sà).
- Danish: In Danish, the name is spelled and pronounced the same way as in English – “lah-RISS-ah”.
- Hungarian: In Hungarian, the name is spelled and pronounced the same way as in English – “lah-RISS-ah”.
The name Larissa has also been Latinized as Larisa [2]. In Cyrillic, it is spelled Лариса and in Greek, it is spelled Λάρισα.
In summary, the name Larissa is used in various countries and has different pronunciations and spellings. However, it retains its Greek origin and meaning of “citadel”.
References
Larissa in Mythology and History
Larissa is a name with a rich history and mythology. In Greek mythology, Larissa was a nymph who was the daughter of Pelasgus, the mythical ancestor of the Pelasgians. She was known for her beauty and grace, and her name has been associated with the concept of a citadel, which is a fortified area of a city.
The name Larissa is also associated with a Greek city of the same name, which was the capital of Thessaly. The city was named after the nymph Larissa, and it was an important center of trade and culture in ancient Greece. It was known for its fertile land and strategic location, and it played an important role in the history of the region.
According to legend, Larissa was the birthplace of Achilles, the legendary hero of the Trojan War. The city was also home to the famous physician Hippocrates, who is considered the father of modern medicine.
Today, the name Larissa is still popular in Greece and other parts of the world. It is a beautiful and unique name that is associated with strength, beauty, and grace. Whether you are looking for a name for your child or simply interested in the history and mythology of this fascinating name, Larissa is a name that is sure to inspire and captivate.
Saint Larissa and Religious Significance
Saint Larissa was a 4th-century Christian martyr who is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Church. According to legend, she was a noblewoman who lived in Rome during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. She converted to Christianity and was subsequently arrested, tortured, and beheaded for refusing to renounce her faith.
In the Eastern Church, Saint Larissa is celebrated on February 19th. Her name day is also celebrated in various parts of the world, particularly in Greece and Russia. In Greece, Larissa is a common name for girls, and many churches and monasteries are named after her.
The Orthodox Church considers Saint Larissa a model of Christian faith and devotion. Her courage and steadfastness in the face of persecution are an inspiration to believers of all ages. Her life and martyrdom also serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that many Christians have made throughout history to uphold their beliefs.
In addition to Saint Larissa, there are many other saints and martyrs who are venerated in the Eastern Church. These include Saint George, Saint Nicholas, and Saint John the Baptist, among others. Each saint has a special significance and is celebrated on a particular day of the year.
Overall, Saint Larissa is an important figure in Christian history and a symbol of faith and devotion. Her life and example continue to inspire believers around the world, and her name remains a popular choice for girls in many countries.
Larissa as a Place Name
Larissa is a name that has been used as a place name in several locations around the world. The name is believed to have originated from the ancient city of Larissa in Greece, which meant “citadel”. Here are some notable places named after Larissa:
Cities
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Larissa, Greece: The largest city in the Thessaly region of Greece, with a population of over 144,000 people. It is located in the eastern part of the plain of Thessaly, near the foot of Mount Olympus.
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Larissa, United States: A city in the state of Iowa, located in Linn County. It has a population of around 3,000 people.
Moons
- Larissa: A moon of Neptune, discovered in 1981 by the Voyager 2 spacecraft. It is named after the nymph Larissa from Greek mythology.
Moons of Neptune
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Naiad: The innermost moon of Neptune, discovered in 1989 by the Voyager 2 spacecraft. It is named after the nymph Naiad from Greek mythology.
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Thalassa: The second innermost moon of Neptune, discovered in 1989 by the Voyager 2 spacecraft. It is named after the sea goddess Thalassa from Greek mythology.
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Despina: The third innermost moon of Neptune, discovered in 1989 by the Voyager 2 spacecraft. It is named after the daughter of Poseidon and Demeter from Greek mythology.
In conclusion, Larissa is a name that has been used as a place name in several locations around the world, as well as the name of a moon of Neptune. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient city of Larissa in Greece, which meant “citadel”.
Famous Personalities Named Larissa
The name Larissa has been used by many famous personalities throughout history. Here are some of the most notable individuals named Larissa:
Larissa Meek
Larissa Meek is an American model and television personality. She was born on April 10, 1981, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, USA. Larissa is best known for her appearance on the reality show “Average Joe: Hawaii” where she was the winner of the competition. She has also appeared in other reality shows like “Fear Factor” and “The Bachelor”.
Doctor Zhivago
Larissa Antipova is a character in the novel “Doctor Zhivago” by Boris Pasternak. She is the love interest of the protagonist, Yuri Zhivago, and plays a significant role in the story. The novel was first published in 1957 and has since become a classic of Russian literature.
Larissa Lai
Larissa Lai is a Canadian writer and scholar. She was born in La Jolla, California, USA, in 1967, and grew up in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. Larissa is the author of several books, including “When Fox Is a Thousand” and “The Tiger Flu”. She has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Lambda Literary Award and the Astraea Foundation’s Emerging Writers Award.
Larissa Adler Lomnitz
Larissa Adler Lomnitz was a Mexican sociologist and anthropologist. She was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1932, and moved to Mexico in 1952. Larissa was a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and was known for her research on natural disasters and social vulnerability. She passed away in 2015.
Larissa de Macedo Machado (Anitta)
Larissa de Macedo Machado, better known by her stage name Anitta, is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born on March 30, 1993, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Anitta has released several albums and singles, including “Me Gusta” and “Girl from Rio”. She has won numerous awards, including the Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Fusion/Performance in 2020.
Larissa Manoela
Larissa Manoela is a Brazilian actress and singer. She was born on December 28, 2000, in Guarapuava, Brazil. Larissa is best known for her roles in Brazilian telenovelas such as “Carrossel” and “Cúmplices de um Resgate”. She has also released several albums and singles, including “Hoje é meu dia” and “Desencosta”.
Soviet Gymnast
Larisa Latynina is a former Soviet gymnast. She was born on December 27, 1934, in Kherson, Ukraine. Larisa is one of the most successful gymnasts in history, having won 18 Olympic medals and 14 world championship medals. She competed in the 1956, 1960, and 1964 Olympic Games and was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1998.
These are just a few of the many famous personalities named Larissa. Each of them has made significant contributions to their respective fields, and their names will be remembered for years to come.
Perceptions and Associations with the Name Larissa
The name Larissa is commonly associated with femininity and is often used to refer to girls. It is considered a wholesome and refined name, making it a popular choice for parents who want to give their daughters a name that is both elegant and timeless.
The name Larissa is also associated with the upper class and is often used in formal settings. It is a name that has been passed down through generations and is often seen as a way to honor ancestors.
While the name Larissa is not particularly common, it is not considered strange or unusual. It is a name that is easy to pronounce and spell, making it a good choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and easy to remember.
Some people may associate the name Larissa with the names Ava or Lars, which have similar sounds and origins. However, Larissa has its own unique meaning and history, making it a distinct and special name.
For some, the name Larissa may be an inspiration for change or joy. It may represent a new beginning or a fresh start, making it a powerful and meaningful choice for parents who want to give their daughters a name that is both beautiful and significant.
Overall, the name Larissa is a popular and well-loved choice for parents who want to give their daughters a name that is both feminine and elegant, while also being meaningful and inspiring.
Larissa in Numerology
Numerology is the study of the mystical relationship between numbers and events. It is believed that each number has a unique vibration that can influence a person’s destiny. In numerology, the name Larissa has a special significance, as it is believed to be associated with the number 7.
To determine the numerological value of a name, we assign a numerical value to each letter based on its position in the alphabet. For example, A is 1, B is 2, and so on. The values for each letter in Larissa are:
| Letter | Numerical Value |
|---|---|
| L | 3 |
| A | 1 |
| R | 9 |
| I | 9 |
| S | 1 |
| S | 1 |
| A | 1 |
When we add up these values, we get a total of 25. To reduce this to a single digit, we add the digits together: 2 + 5 = 7. Therefore, according to numerology, the name Larissa is associated with the number 7.
In numerological tradition, the number 7 is an indefatigable seeker of truth. It is associated with introspection, spirituality, and wisdom. People with a strong connection to the number 7 tend to be analytical, introspective, and intuitive. They are often interested in philosophy, metaphysics, and the occult.
If you are considering naming your child Larissa, it is important to keep in mind the numerological significance of the name. While it is not necessary to base your decision solely on numerology, it can be a useful tool for gaining insight into your child’s personality and destiny.
In conclusion, the name Larissa has a special significance in numerology, as it is associated with the number 7. People with a strong connection to the number 7 tend to be analytical, introspective, and intuitive. If you are considering naming your child Larissa, it is important to keep in mind the numerological significance of the name.