What does Clairissa mean and where does it come from?
Clairissa is a variation of the name Clarissa, which has roots in the Latin word 'clarus' meaning 'clear'. The name gained popularity in the 18th century and is often associated with clarity and brightness. Notable figures include Clarissa Harlowe, the protagonist of Samuel Richardson's novel 'Clari
Cultural significance
Clairissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright, clear, and famous.
Peak popularity
Reached #4514 in 1981 — currently #16058 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clairissa?
Clairissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clairissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clairissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clairissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clairissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Clairissa Jane
Literary · strong
Clairissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clairissa right now?
Rising fast — up 313 spots — currently #16058 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2015 | #9081 | 12 | ▲ up 313 |
| 2010 | #9394 | 12 | ▲ up 7717 · +140% births |
| 2005 | #17111 | 5 | ▼ down 11880 · -77% births |
| 2000 | #5231 | 22 | ▼ down 452 · +5% births |
| 1995 | #4779 | 21 | ▲ up 1573 · +50% births |
| 1990 | #6352 | 14 | ▲ up 472 · +40% births |
| 1985 | #6824 | 10 | ▲ up 2100 · +67% births |
| 1975 | #8924 | 6 | — |
The story of Clairissa
Clairissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 505 total births recorded, Clairissa remains relatively uncommon.
Names that peaked alongside Clairissa in 1981:
Clairissa by decade
Clairissa peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 24 | |
| 1980s | 107 | |
| 1990s ★ | 181 | |
| 2000s | 113 | |
| 2010s | 80 | |
💎Clairissa has only 505 total recorded births since 1975 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Clairissa?
Common
ClaClairClairieClairyIssa
What names sound and feel like Clairissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clairissa also consider these
Clarrissa
English-speaking countries · bright, clear, famous
Clairessa
American · Clarion; bright, clear
Clarissa
Latin · bright, clear
Klairissa
American · clear, bright,
Charrissa
English-speaking countries · grace, kindness, love
Klarrissa
English-speaking countries · Bright, clear
Clerissa
Latin · brightness
Clorissa
American · light, clarity
Common questions about the name Clairissa
What does the name Clairissa mean?
Clairissa means "Bright, clear, and famous" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Clairissa?
Clairissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Clairissa?
Clairissa originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Clairissa?
Clairissa is a three-syllable name pronounced K L EH1 R IH1 S AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Clairissa?
Clairissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.