The surname Larita originated in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in the region of Andalusia, Spain, during the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Latin term "laritus," which means "pleasant" or "delightful." This suggests that the name may have initially been used as a nickname or a descriptive term for someone with a pleasant personality or demeanor.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Larita can be found in the Cartulario de Santa María de Albarracín, a collection of medieval documents from the 13th century. This manuscript mentions a certain Pedro Larita, who was a landowner and nobleman in the region of Teruel, Aragon.

In the 14th century, the name Larita appears in the Libro de la Montería, a hunting treatise commissioned by King Alfonso XI of Castile. The text mentions a place called "Larita" located in the province of Jaén, indicating that the surname may have also originated from a place name or toponym.

During the 15th century, the Larita family gained prominence in the city of Seville, where they were involved in various trade and mercantile activities. One notable figure from this period was Fernán Pérez de Larita, a wealthy merchant who financed several expeditions to the Americas in the early years of Spanish colonization.

In the 16th century, the Larita surname can be found in the archives of the Spanish Inquisition, where several individuals bearing this name were accused of practicing crypto-Judaism or secretly adhering to Jewish traditions. This suggests that the Larita family may have had Jewish roots or ancestry.

Over the centuries, the Larita name has been associated with several notable individuals, including:

1. Juan de Larita (c. 1530-1598), a Spanish soldier and conquistador who participated in the conquest of Peru under Francisco Pizarro.
2. María de Larita (1602-1672), a renowned playwright and poet from Seville, known for her works that explored themes of love and societal norms.
3. Rodrigo Larita (1678-1745), a Jesuit missionary and explorer who traveled extensively in the Amazon rainforest and documented various indigenous cultures.
4. Carla Larita (1820-1902), a Spanish painter and artist who gained recognition for her portraits and landscapes.
5. Emilio Larita (1879-1954), a Spanish architect and urban planner who designed several notable buildings and public spaces in Madrid.

While the Larita surname has its roots in Spain, it has since spread to other parts of the world, particularly Latin America, due to Spanish colonization and migration patterns. However, the historical origins of this name can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula, where it emerged as a distinctive surname with potential connections to pleasant or delightful qualities, as well as possible links to specific places or toponyms.