What does Clerissa mean and where does it come from?
Clerissa is a variant of the name Clarissa, which is derived from the Latin name 'Clara.' The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 17th century. Clarissa was popularized by the novel 'Clarissa' by Samuel Richardson published in 1747. The name is associated with clarity and brig
Cultural significance
Clerissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of brightness.
Peak popularity
Reached #10169 in 1983 — currently #632 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clerissa?
Clerissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clerissa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clerissa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clerissa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clerissa Claire
French influence · crisp
Clerissa Jane
Literary · strong
Clerissa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clerissa right now?
Holding steady — currently #632 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #632 | 1,568 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #637 | 1,548 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #642 | 1,518 | ▲ up 10615 · +21586% births |
| 1995 | #11257 | 7 | ▲ up 1126 · +17% births |
| 1990 | #12383 | 6 | — |
The story of Clerissa
Clerissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1983. With 30 total births recorded, Clerissa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12383 in 1990 to #632 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Clerissa in 1983:
💎Clerissa has only 30 total recorded births since 1983 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Clerissa?
Common
CleClerClerieCleryIssa
Famous people named Clerissa
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Clerissa (Renaissance scholar)
Clerissa used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
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Clerissa (Roman senator or statesman)
Clerissa held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Clerissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clerissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Clerissa
What does the name Clerissa mean?
Clerissa means "brightness" — 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 Clerissa?
Clerissa is currently ranked #632 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 Clerissa?
Clerissa 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 Clerissa?
Clerissa is a three-syllable name pronounced K L ER0 IY1 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 Clerissa?
Clerissa 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.