Declining since 1995, #1,643 for girls today.
Popularity of Larissa since 1946
Babies named Larissa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 112 |
| 1960s | 786 |
| 1970s | 2,920 |
| 1980s | 4,819 |
| 1990s | 6,544 |
| 2000s | 5,167 |
| 2010s | 2,348 |
| 2020s | 796 |
Meaning & origin
Larissa entered U.S. records relatively recently, first recorded in 1946, and reached peak popularity in 1994. Since 1995, its usage has been steadily declining. In 2025, the name ranks 1,643rd with an incidence of 1 in 12,756 girls. The name has seen particular favor in Washington, Texas, and North Carolina. Its classical Greek roots give it an enduring appeal for parents drawn to mythology and ancient history.
Larissa is the name of several ancient Greek cities, most notably in Thessaly. The name's etymology is uncertain but may be related to a pre-Greek substrate word meaning 'fortress' or 'citadel'. In Greek mythology, Larissa was a daughter of Pelasgus. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 20th century, often inspired by classical geography.
Where Larissa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Larissa” around the world
Where Larissa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lara, Rissa, Lari
Variants: Larisa
Sibling names for Larissa
Names that share Larissa's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Katerina, Anastasia, Daphne, Thalia, Iris, Adrina, Brissa, Cinthya, Corissa, Merissa, Carrissa, Cerissa, Charelle, Ellissa, Janissa, Kalissa, Leandrea, Marlisa, Shalena, Sharisse, Tamitha, Waleska, Alycea, Charisa, Cherisse, Denisia, Ellaree, Janesa, Jarissa, Karisha, Klarisa, Lanice, Laree, Larenda, Lariza, Marlisha, Myrissa, Narissa, Tanessa, Taressa, Tarissa, Terissa, Tonica, Amarisa, Charlissa, Cheray, Cheresa, Cherrise, Darissa, Davona, Desarie, Jonessa, Karlisa, Lacoya, Larrisha, Reisha, Sarissa, Tarisha, Terisha, Valissa, Velisa, Venissa
Brothers: Nikolas, Dimitri, Theo, Andreas, Costas, Darris, Damarian, Darvis, Duron, Laray, Larell, Larnell, Lerone, Trevell, Alando, Larone, Charvis, Jerral, Laronn, Larron, Lavarius, Montarius, Rivaldo, Trevaris
Names like Larissa
Names whose popularity has moved with Larissa's over the last 50 years.
