Larisa

Larisa is a name that can refer to a geographical place as well as to a feminine given name. The forms Larisa and Larissa appear in different languages and transliterations.

In geography, Larisa (Greek: Λάρισα) is a city in central Greece, located in the region of Thessaly. It lies on the Pineios River and serves as the administrative capital of the Larissa regional unit, as well as a major urban center in the area. The city has ancient roots; the region around modern Larisa was the site of an ancient city of the same name, which played a notable role in classical Thessaly. In contemporary times, Larisa is a hub of commerce, education, and culture, and hosts campuses of the University of Thessaly along with several museums and cultural institutions.

As a given name, Larisa is used for women in multiple countries, with variants including Larissa. The name is derived from the place name and has been adopted in Greek, Slavic, and other linguistic traditions. Notable bearers include the Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina and the American actress Larisa Oleynik. The name has appeared in literature and media as well, reflecting its cross-cultural usage.

The term may also appear in other transliterations and in related place names in the broader region. See also the related disambiguation for Larissa for additional uses.