What does Clarisa mean and where does it come from?
Clarisa is a variant of 'Clara', rooted in Latin, which means 'bright' or 'clear'. This name has been popular among Spanish-speaking countries and in Italy. It embodies qualities of brightness and clarity, often signifying a cheerful disposition. Clarisa has notable mentions in literature and art, a
Cultural significance
Clarisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright, clear.
Peak popularity
Reached #664 in 1994 — currently #5758 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Clarisa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Clarisa?
Clarisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clarisa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Clarisa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Clarisa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Clarisa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Clarisa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Clarisa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Clarisa right now?
Rising fast — up 3939 spots — currently #5758 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5758 | 21 | ▲ up 3939 · +110% births |
| 2024 | #9697 | 10 | ▲ up 1698 · +25% births |
| 2023 | #11395 | 8 | ▼ down 4623 · -53% births |
| 2022 | #6772 | 17 | ▲ up 255 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #7027 | 16 | ▼ down 433 · -6% births |
| 2020 | #6594 | 17 | ▼ down 1864 · -41% births |
| 2015 | #4730 | 29 | ▼ down 1467 · -42% births |
| 2010 | #3263 | 50 | ▼ down 1008 · -37% births |
| 2005 | #2255 | 80 | ▼ down 150 · +4% births |
| 2000 | #2105 | 77 | ▼ down 830 · -42% births |
| 1995 | #1275 | 132 | ▲ up 1194 · +169% births |
| 1990 | #2469 | 49 | ▲ up 26 · +26% births |
| 1985 | #2495 | 39 | ▼ down 267 · -13% births |
| 1980 | #2228 | 45 | ▼ down 229 · +2% births |
| 1975 | #1999 | 44 | — |
The story of Clarisa
Clarisa entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. With 3,120 total births recorded, Clarisa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3840 in 1930, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11395 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Clarisa in 1994:
Clarisa by decade
Clarisa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 13 | |
| 1920s | 28 | |
| 1930s | 12 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 80 | |
| 1960s | 142 | |
| 1970s | 333 | |
| 1980s | 393 | |
| 1990s ★ | 1,091 | |
| 2000s | 687 | |
| 2010s | 319 | |
| 2020s | 48 | |
💎With 3,120 total births, Clarisa is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Clarisa?
Common
ClaClarClarieClaryIsa
Famous people named Clarisa
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Clarisa (Spanish royal)
Clarisa held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
C(
Clarisa (Flamenco artist)
Clarisa carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
C(
Clarisa (Latin American historical figure)
Clarisa used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
C(
Clarisa (Spanish royal)
Clarisa held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Clarisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clarisa also consider these
How is Clarisa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Clarisa
What does the name Clarisa mean?
Clarisa means "Bright, clear" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Clarisa?
Clarisa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Clarisa?
Clarisa originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Clarisa?
Clarisa is a three-syllable name pronounced KLAH-REE-suh. 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 Clarisa?
Clarisa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.