Larysa is a feminine given name of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the Greek word "Larissa," which means "citadel" or "fortress." The name Larissa was originally associated with the ancient city of Larissa in Thessaly, Greece.
The name Larysa gained popularity in Ukraine during the 20th century, particularly after Ukrainian independence in 1991. It has since become a common name among Ukrainians and those with Ukrainian heritage. In addition to Ukraine, the name is also used in other Slavic countries such as Russia, Belarus, and Poland.
In terms of its history, Larysa is considered to be a modern variant of the name Larissa, which was used in ancient Greece and later adopted by various cultures throughout Europe. Today, Larysa continues to be popular among Ukrainian families who wish to honor their cultural heritage through naming their daughters.
While there are no specific festivals or holidays associated with the name Larysa, it is often celebrated alongside other Ukrainian names such as Oksana, Natalia, and Maria during religious holidays like Christmas and Easter. Additionally, the name Larysa may be associated with various saints and martyrs in the Orthodox Church, although this varies depending on cultural traditions.
Overall, Larysa is a beautiful and meaningful name that carries historical significance and cultural heritage. It is a popular choice among Ukrainians and those who wish to honor their Ukrainian roots through naming.
The name Larysa has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics provided. Between 1951 and 2008, there were a total of 155 babies named Larysa born in the U.S.
The name's popularity varied over time, with peaks and valleys in usage. The highest number of births in any given year was recorded in 1990, with 9 newborn girls named Larysa. This trend continued into the following years, as 1993 saw another peak with 10 babies named Larysa.
However, there were also periods where the name's usage declined significantly. For instance, between 1978 and 1982, only 5 births were recorded each year. This trend of lower usage persisted into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a steady decrease in Larysa births from 1997 to 2004.
Despite these fluctuations, it's clear that Larysa has remained a distinct and unique name choice throughout this period. Its usage may have varied over time, but its total number of occurrences—155 babies named Larysa over the course of nearly six decades—demonstrates a consistent, if not overwhelming, presence in U.S. naming trends.