The name Alisa has its origins in the Germanic languages, derived from the Old Germanic name Adalheid, which meant "noble kind" or "noble sort." This name was a compound of the words "adal" (noble) and "heid" (kind or sort). Over time, the name evolved through various linguistic changes and regional variations.

In the Russian and Slavic cultures, the name Alisa became popular as a form of the name Alice, which itself is a variant of the Old French name Alis, derived from the Germanic Adalheid. The name Alisa gained widespread usage in these regions, particularly in Russia, Ukraine, and other Slavic countries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alisa can be found in the 12th-century epic poem "The Lay of Alisis" (also known as "Alisis and Garins"), which tells the story of a fictional princess named Alisa. This work, written in Old French, is considered one of the earliest examples of the name's usage in literature.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Alisa. One of the most famous was Alisa Freyndlikh, a renowned Soviet and Russian actress born in 1934, known for her roles in films such as "Office Romance" and "Stalker." Another prominent figure was Alisa Rosenbaum, better known as Ayn Rand (1905-1982), the influential Russian-American writer and philosopher, famous for her novels "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged."

In the world of literature, Alisa Ganieva (born 1985) is a contemporary Russian writer and journalist, best known for her novel "The Mountain and the Wall." Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum (1905-1975), a Soviet writer and literary critic, was also an influential figure in her time.

Alisa Izergina (born 1994) is a Russian singer and songwriter who rose to fame after her participation in the television talent show "Voice Kids Russia" in 2014. She has since released several successful albums and singles.

While the name Alisa has its roots in Germanic and Old French origins, it has gained popularity across various cultures and regions, particularly in the Slavic countries, where it has a strong historical presence and cultural significance.