The name Larissa is of Greek origin and means "citadel" or "fortress." It is derived from the ancient city of Larisa in Thessaly, Greece, which was famous for its strong fortifications. The city was named after the daughter of Pelasgus, a king of Orchomenus, who was turned into a fortress by the god Zeus.
The name Larissa has been used throughout history and can be found in various forms across different cultures. In Greek mythology, Larissa is also the name of a nymph who was transformed into a river goddess. The name has been popularized in recent times due to its use in literature, such as in the works of Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Overall, Larissa is a strong and powerful name that carries with it a rich history and meaningful symbolism. It remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and significant name for their daughter.
The name Larissa experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century. With only six births recorded in 1946, it saw a gradual increase until reaching a peak of 75 births in 1966. This trend continued, with the highest number of births occurring in 1989 (653) and 1992 (684). However, from the late 1990s onwards, there was a steady decline in popularity, with only 147 births recorded in 2023. Overall, Larissa has been given to 23,239 newborns since 1946.