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Clarinda Girl

Popularity: · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

Pronunciationklah-RIN-dah / kləˈrɪn.də

Latin; Spanish

Meaning

Latin: bright; Spanish: clear

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Clarinda has its roots in the Latin word "clarus," meaning "clear" or "bright." This Latin term evolved through various languages, influencing the development of the name in the medieval period. The name appears in the Old French form "Clarin" before making its way into English, where it was adapted as Clarinda. The transition from Latin to Old French and then to English reflects the broader linguistic shifts that occurred in Europe following the fall of the Roman Empire and the subsequent Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century.

Historically, the name Clarinda is associated with several notable figures and literary works. One significant reference is found in the 17th-century pastoral romance "The Shepherd's Calendar" by Edmund Spenser, where the character Clarinda embodies ideals of beauty and virtue. Additionally, the name appears in various literary contexts throughout the Renaissance, a period marked by a revival of classical learning and the arts, which contributed to the popularity of names derived from Latin and Greek roots. The use of Clarinda in literature during this time helped to solidify its place in the cultural lexicon.

Culturally, Clarinda has been associated with themes of clarity, brightness, and enlightenment, resonating with the qualities attributed to its etymological roots. The name has also been linked to notions of nobility and grace, often used in poetic and romantic contexts. Its melodic quality and elegant structure have made it a favored choice in various artistic expressions, including poetry and music. While diminutive forms such as Clara or Lindy may arise in casual use, Clarinda itself maintains a distinct identity, reflecting a blend of historical significance and cultural resonance.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Clara
  • Clarice

International Variants

  • Clara (Italian)
  • Clara (Spanish)
  • Clara (Portuguese)

Famous people named Clarinda

Fictional characters named Clarinda

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Clarinda was first seen in the United States in 1880. Clarinda has ranked as high as #1000 nationally, which occurred in 1952, and has been most popular in California. In the past 5 years the name Clarinda has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Clarinda (1953)

StateBirthsShare
CA 6
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18807
18836
188410
18867
18876
18886
18895
18935
18945
189510
189611
189714
18989
19009
19019
19027
19038
19047
19058
19078
190911
19108
19116
19128
191311
191412
191516
19168
191715
191821
191917
192010
192115
192212
192314
192413
19259
19269
192711
19289
19298
19308
193111
19335
19348
193510
19368
193711
193815
19396
19409
19419
194210
194312
194414
19457
194610
19479
194817
194921
195029
195120
195235
195328
195413
195532
195610
195719
195820
195912
196010
196121
19627
196315
196421
196511
196612
196712
196815
196916
197018
197113
197216
197327
197423
197525
197626
197721
197815
197917
198014
198110
19829
19836
19847
198513
198613
19879
19889
198910
19909
19919
19936
19945
19965
19985
19995
20005
20026
20046
20065