What does Clarissa mean and where does it come from?
Clarissa is derived from the Latin name 'Clarus', which translates to 'clear' or 'bright'. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 18th century, particularly in the context of literature, with notable works such as Samuel Richardson's novel 'Clarissa'. It is often associa
Cultural significance
Clarissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright, clear.
Peak popularity
Reached #237 in 1994 — currently #1114 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Clarissa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Clarissa?
Clarissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clarissa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Clarissa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Clarissa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Clarissa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Clarissa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Clarissa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Clarissa right now?
Rising — up 47 spots — currently #1114 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1114 | 212 | ▲ up 47 · +2% births |
| 2024 | #1161 | 207 | ▼ down 3 · -1% births |
| 2023 | #1158 | 209 | ▼ down 114 · -15% births |
| 2022 | #1044 | 245 | ▼ down 95 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #949 | 278 | ▼ down 41 · -2% births |
| 2020 | #908 | 285 | ▼ down 210 · -30% births |
| 2015 | #698 | 407 | ▼ down 148 · -23% births |
| 2010 | #550 | 530 | ▼ down 131 · -28% births |
| 2005 | #419 | 737 | ▼ down 93 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #326 | 974 | ▼ down 87 · -19% births |
| 1995 | #239 | 1,201 | ▲ up 83 · +41% births |
| 1990 | #322 | 853 | ▲ up 45 · +35% births |
| 1985 | #367 | 634 | ▲ up 122 · +50% births |
| 1980 | #489 | 423 | stable · +12% births |
| 1975 | #489 | 378 | — |
The story of Clarissa
Clarissa has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 39,339 babies have received this name. Once ranked #552 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1158 in 2023. Clarissa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Clarissa in 1994:
Clarissa by decade
Clarissa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 133 | |
| 1890s | 221 | |
| 1900s | 252 | |
| 1910s | 596 | |
| 1920s | 663 | |
| 1930s | 511 | |
| 1940s | 680 | |
| 1950s | 1,402 | |
| 1960s | 2,323 | |
| 1970s | 3,473 | |
| 1980s | 6,385 | |
| 1990s ★ | 10,601 | |
| 2000s | 7,553 | |
| 2010s | 4,261 | |
| 2020s | 704 | |
What are good nicknames for Clarissa?
Common
ClaClarClarieClaryIssa
Famous people named Clarissa
C(
Clarissa (Roman senator or statesman)
Clarissa held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
C(
Clarissa (Renaissance scholar)
Clarissa used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Clarissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clarissa also consider these
How is Clarissa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Clarissa
What does the name Clarissa mean?
Clarissa means "bright, clear" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Clarissa?
Clarissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby 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 Clarissa?
Clarissa originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Clarissa?
Clarissa is a three-syllable name pronounced kler-IS-uh. 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 Clarissa?
Clarissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.