Laurissa is a diminutive of Laura. Laura originates in Latin language and means "bay laurel tree". It is taken from the name of an aromatic evergreen large shrub. In the Greco-Roman era, laurel was used as a symbol of victory, fame and honor. As a feminine given name Laura has always been one of the most popular names not only in English-speaking countries. Laura was the name of the 9th century Spanish saint, as well as the name of the woman Francesco Petrarch, an Italian humanist, found inspiration in. In the United States, the famous bearer is Laura Bush, wife of the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush.