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Claris Girl

Popularity: · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

PronunciationCLAIR-iss / /ˈklɛərɪs/

Latin; French

Meaning

Latin: bright; French: clear

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Claris has its roots in the Latin word "clarus," meaning "clear," "bright," or "famous." This term evolved into various forms throughout history, including the Old French "Clare" and the Italian "Chiara," both of which carry similar meanings. The transition into English occurred through the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when many Latin-derived names were introduced into the English lexicon, often taking on forms that reflected the phonetic and orthographic preferences of the English language at the time.

Historically, the name Claris is associated with Saint Clare of Assisi, who founded the Order of Poor Ladies in the 13th century. She was canonized in 1255, and her influence helped popularize the name in various forms across Europe. The name also appears in notable literary works, including the writings of medieval scholars and saints, which contributed to its enduring presence in Christian contexts. The name's association with clarity and brightness has made it a symbol of purity and enlightenment in various cultural narratives.

In addition to its religious significance, Claris has been embraced in various artistic and literary traditions, often symbolizing virtue and moral integrity. The diminutive form "Clara" has also gained recognition, particularly in the context of classical music and literature, further enriching the name's cultural tapestry. Overall, Claris embodies a blend of historical depth and cultural resonance, reflecting a legacy that spans centuries and diverse traditions.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Clara
  • Clarice

International Variants

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

Famous people named Claris

Claris Leachman is an actress best known for The Last Picture Show, Young Frankenstein, and Malcolm in the Middle.

Fictional characters named Claris

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Claris was first seen in the United States in 1899. Claris has ranked as high as #835 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in Indiana, Arkansas, California, Kentucky, and West Virginia. In the past 5 years the name Claris has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Claris (1929)

StateBirthsShare
IN 5
50%
WV 5
50%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18995
19006
19015
19027
19045
19056
19065
19075
19088
19096
19106
19117
19129
191310
191417
191530
191623
191723
191838
191934
192027
192131
192235
192325
192427
192532
192630
192734
192828
192928
193032
193117
193227
193334
193420
193528
193612
193717
193822
193919
194020
194116
19429
194322
194419
194511
19469
194715
19485
19496
195011
19518
19526
19547
19945
19957
20046
20065
20086
20205
20227