Clarisa Girl

Popularity: #927 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: klah-REE-sah /kləˈriːsə/

Origin: Latin; Spanish

Meaning: Latin: bright; Spanish: clear

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Clarisa has its roots in the Latin word "clarus," meaning "clear" or "bright." This Latin term evolved into the Old French form "Clara," which was then adapted into various languages, including Spanish and Italian, as "Clara" and "Clarisa." The name made its way into English through the influence of these languages, particularly during the periods of cultural exchange in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, when classical names were revived and adapted in various forms across Europe. Historically, the name Clara has been borne by several notable figures, including Saint Clara of Assisi, who founded the Order of Poor Ladies in the 13th century.

Her life and works contributed to the spread of the name in Christian contexts, particularly in Italy and later in other European countries. The name gained further prominence through literary works, such as the 19th-century novel "Clarissa" by Samuel Richardson, which helped to popularize the name in English-speaking regions.

The character of Clarissa Harlowe in this novel is often associated with themes of virtue and moral integrity, reinforcing the name's positive connotations. Culturally, the name Clarisa and its variants have been associated with clarity, brightness, and purity, reflecting the original Latin meaning.

These associations have contributed to its enduring appeal in various cultures. The name has also been linked to various artistic and literary traditions, often symbolizing enlightenment or insight.

In some contexts, diminutive forms such as "Clara" or "Clary" have emerged, further enriching the name's legacy and usage across different cultures and languages.

Famous people named Clarisa

In this section, you will find notable people named Clarisa. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Clarisa who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Clarisa who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Clarisa Ward is a journalist best known for her work with CNN and reporting from conflict zones.

Clarisa Pinkola Estés is a poet and author best known for Women Who Run With the Wolves and The Faithful Gardener.

Clarisa L. O'Brien is a scientist best known for her research in the field of environmental science.

Fictional characters named Clarisa

The following list of fictional characters named Clarisa is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Clarisa is a fictional character from the novel Clarissa, or, The History of a Young Lady. She is the protagonist whose tragic story revolves around her struggles against societal norms and her pursuit of love and autonomy.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Clarisa, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

ClaraCassandraCarinaCeliaCarmenCecilia

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Clarisa. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

ClariceClarityClaudiaCassandraCarissaClementineCleoCelia

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Clarisa was first seen in the United States in 1911.

Clarisa has ranked as high as #1223 nationally, which occurred in 1994, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Arizona, and Florida.

In the past 5 years the name Clarisa has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Clarisa is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Clarisa was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Clarisa.

Year Total Births Girl
2025 21 21
2024 10 10
2023 8 8
2022 17 17
2021 16 16
2020 17 17
2019 30 30
2018 33 33
2017 29 29
2016 37 37
2015 29 29
2014 26 26
2013 21 21
2012 39 39
2011 26 26
2010 50 50
2009 43 43
2008 59 59
2007 43 43
2006 63 63
2005 80 80
2004 84 84
2003 76 76
2002 78 78
2001 84 84
2000 77 77
1999 83 83
1998 98 98
1997 90 90
1996 102 102
1995 132 132
1994 323 323
1993 96 96
1992 67 67
1991 51 51
1990 49 49
1989 43 43
1988 39 39
1987 39 39
1986 32 32
1985 39 39
1984 33 33
1983 38 38
1982 53 53
1981 32 32
1980 45 45
1979 31 31
1978 35 35
1977 40 40
1976 45 45
1975 44 44
1974 38 38
1973 30 30
1972 28 28
1971 23 23
1970 19 19
1969 13 13
1968 15 15
1967 13 13
1966 14 14
1965 22 22
1964 15 15
1963 18 18
1962 9 9
1961 10 10
1960 13 13
1959 13 13
1958 16 16
1957 9 9
1956 9 9
1955 10 10
1954 7 7
1953 5 5
1952 5 5
1950 6 6
1946 5 5
1939 5 5
1930 7 7
1929 6 6
1927 5 5
1926 5 5
1923 6 6
1922 6 6
1918 8 8
1911 5 5

Top States for Clarisa (2021)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
CA 5
100%