The name Rysa has its origins in the Russian language and can be traced back to the 19th century. It is believed to be a diminutive form of the Russian name Iaroslava, which means "bright" or "glorious". The name Rysa was particularly popular in the Russian Empire and later in the Soviet Union.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rysa can be found in the 1857 novel "A Russian Proprietor" by Ivan Turgenev. In the novel, a character named Rysa Pavlovna is mentioned. This literary reference suggests that the name was already in use during the mid-19th century in Russia.

In the late 19th century, a notable bearer of the name was Rysa Mikhailovna Vrevskaya (1859-1938), a Russian noblewoman and philanthropist. She was involved in various charitable organizations and supported the education of underprivileged children.

Another historical figure with the name Rysa was Rysa Grigorievna Smirnova (1887-1969), a Soviet astronomer and mathematician. She made significant contributions to the study of variable stars and was recognized for her work by the International Astronomical Union in 1935.

In the early 20th century, Rysa Dementieva (1903-1987) was a prominent Soviet actress and theater director. She was known for her roles in several plays and films during the Soviet era and received numerous awards and honors for her work.

Moving into the mid-20th century, Rysa Yevgenyevna Gorbacheva (1923-2012) was a Soviet and Russian chess player. She was one of the strongest female chess players of her time and won multiple national and international tournaments.

While the name Rysa has its roots in Russian culture, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in Eastern Europe and some Slavic countries. However, its historical significance and earliest recorded instances can be traced back to Russia and the Russian Empire.