View Message

Every origin of the name Larissa, or Larisa, is Greek. Although it is used in Russia, it is derived from the ancient city of Larisa, Thessaly, which city was named for the local fountain nymph, Larissa, as well as numerous other cities in Asia Minor at that time that were founded by Pelasgians. It also shares a root with the Greek word for laughter, as does the name Lara, which is why many times its official meaning will be listed as "cheerful". A more whimsical approach to the meaning of this name also has to do with its connection to the ancient Greek word for "laughter" in that it can also mean "sea gull", a bird whose call can often sound like laughter. There are absolutely no traces of Russian meaning to the name Larissa or Larisa; it has simply been borrowed from the Greeks.