Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Larissa
GirlGreek· “citadel; also a Greek city”
- Meaning
- citadel; also a Greek city
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- luh-RIH-suh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,646
- US babies 2025
- 126
- Best rank
- #363 (1994)
- Peak year
- 1994
Meaning and origin of Larissa
Larissa is a Greek name that is usually said to mean “citadel; also a Greek city”.
Larissa is the name of an ancient city in Thessaly, Greece, which still exists today. The word larissa is thought to be an old pre-Greek term meaning citadel or fortress, and several ancient towns bore it. In Greek mythology a nymph named Larissa was linked to the city. The name is used in Russian, Ukrainian and Brazilian Portuguese as well as English, and Lara is its Russian short form. Larissa has a lilting, feminine sound and a hint of old-world mystery.
Popularity over time
Larissa first appears in US Social Security records in 1946. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 46 different years, starting in 1967. Its best national rank was #363 in 1994, the same year it reached its highest count of 715 babies. In 2025, 126 babies were named Larissa, and it ranked #1,646 nationally. That is 42% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,710 in 1950, #488 in 1980, #486 in 2000, #755 in 2010, and #1,646 in 2025. Of the 23,498 US girls named Larissa since records began, 28% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 5,167 babies. Since 2010, 3,144 more have been named Larissa.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Selina, Thalia, Carina, Ciera, and Maranda.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Larissa ranked highest in Texas, Washington, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #1048 | 27 |
| Washington | #1158 | 5 |
| Florida | #1500 | 9 |
| Pennsylvania | #1517 | 5 |
| North Carolina | #1586 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Larissa is usually pronounced luh-RIH-suh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with L and ends in “-sa”.
Middle names for Larissa
A few middle names that flow with Larissa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Larissa
Similar names
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Lists that include Larissa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Larissa mean?
Larissa is a Greek name that is usually said to mean “citadel; also a Greek city”.
What is the origin of the name Larissa?
Larissa has Greek roots. Larissa is the name of an ancient city in Thessaly, Greece, which still exists today.
Is Larissa a popular name?
Not especially. Larissa ranked #1,646 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Larissa a boy or girl name?
Larissa is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Larissa?
Larissa is usually pronounced luh-RIH-suh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings