What does Klarissa mean and where does it come from?
Klarissa is a variant of the name Clarissa, which originates from the Latin root 'clarus', meaning bright or clear. The name gained popularity in the 16th century and has been used frequently in German-speaking countries. Today, it is also embraced in English-speaking countries, showcasing a feminin
Cultural significance
Klarissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright, clear.
Peak popularity
Reached #1425 in 1998 — currently #6024 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Klarissa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Klarissa?
Klarissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Klarissa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Klarissa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Klarissa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Klarissa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Klarissa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Klarissa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Klarissa right now?
Falling — down 1060 spots — currently #6024 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6024 | 20 | ▼ down 1060 · -26% births |
| 2024 | #4964 | 27 | ▼ down 1022 · -29% births |
| 2023 | #3942 | 38 | ▲ up 1790 · +73% births |
| 2022 | #5732 | 22 | ▼ down 1052 · -24% births |
| 2021 | #4680 | 29 | ▼ down 843 · -22% births |
| 2020 | #3837 | 37 | ▼ down 900 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #2937 | 59 | ▼ down 712 · -32% births |
| 2010 | #2225 | 87 | ▼ down 97 |
| 2005 | #2128 | 87 | ▼ down 503 · -20% births |
| 2000 | #1625 | 109 | ▼ down 42 · +14% births |
| 1995 | #1583 | 96 | ▲ up 1096 · +118% births |
| 1990 | #2679 | 44 | ▲ up 3205 · +267% births |
| 1985 | #5884 | 12 | ▲ up 1255 · +33% births |
| 1980 | #7139 | 9 | ▲ up 619 · +50% births |
| 1970 | #7758 | 6 | — |
The story of Klarissa
Klarissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. With 2,741 total births recorded, Klarissa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7758 in 1970 to #3942 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Klarissa in 1998:
Klarissa by decade
Klarissa peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 33 | |
| 1980s | 196 | |
| 1990s | 885 | |
| 2000s ★ | 980 | |
| 2010s | 604 | |
| 2020s | 84 | |
💎With 2,741 total births, Klarissa is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Klarissa?
Common
KlaKlarKlarieKlaryIssa
Famous people named Klarissa
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Klarissa (medieval German ruler)
Klarissa bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
K(
Klarissa (Norse explorer)
Klarissa carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
K(
Klarissa (German philosopher)
Klarissa used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
K(
Klarissa (Scandinavian royal)
Klarissa held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Klarissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Klarissa also consider these
Common questions about the name Klarissa
What does the name Klarissa mean?
Klarissa means "Bright, clear" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Klarissa?
Klarissa 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 Klarissa?
Klarissa originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Klarissa?
Klarissa is a three-syllable name pronounced KLAH-RIS-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 Klarissa?
Klarissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Germanic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.