Clarissa Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationkluh-RIS-uh / /kləˈrɪsə/Latin; Greek
Meaning
Latin: bright; Greek: clear
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Clarissa has its roots in the Latin word "clarus," which means "clear" or "bright." This Latin term evolved into the name "Clara," which was used in various forms throughout the Middle Ages. The name Clarissa emerged as a derivative of Clara, gaining popularity in the 17th century, particularly in Italy and England. The transition into English occurred through the influence of Italian and Latin texts, where the name was often associated with clarity and brightness, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.
Historically, one of the notable figures associated with the name is Saint Clara of Assisi, who founded the Order of Poor Ladies in the 13th century. Her life and works contributed to the name's significance in Christian contexts, particularly among those who valued the ideals of purity and enlightenment. The name gained further prominence in literature, notably through Samuel Richardson's novel "Clarissa," published in the early 18th century. This work, which tells the story of a virtuous young woman, helped solidify the name's association with moral integrity and virtue.
Culturally, Clarissa has been embraced in various artistic and literary contexts, symbolizing clarity of thought and purity of heart. The name has been used in numerous works of literature and has been associated with characters that embody these traits. The diminutive form "Clara" is also significant, often used interchangeably with Clarissa, and carries similar connotations of brightness and clarity. Overall, the name Clarissa reflects a rich historical and cultural tapestry, rooted in linguistic evolution and enriched by notable figures and literary contributions.
Trend Summary
Clarissa has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable rise in the late 20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Clara
- Clarice
International Variants
- Clara (Spanish)
- Clarisse (French)
- Klara (German)
- Clarita (Spanish)
Famous people named Clarissa
Clarissa Pinkola Estés is a psychologist and author best known for Women Who Run with the Wolves, The Gift of Story, and The Dangerous Old Woman.
Clarissa Ward is a journalist best known for her work with CNN, reporting from conflict zones, and covering major global events.
Fictional characters named Clarissa
Clarissa Dalloway is a fictional character from the novel Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. She is a high-society woman in post-World War I England who reflects on her life while preparing for a party.
Clarissa Fray is a fictional character from the book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. She is a Shadowhunter who discovers her heritage and battles against dark forces in a hidden world.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Clarissa was first seen in the United States in 1880. Clarissa has ranked as high as #454 nationally, which occurred in 1995, and has been most popular in Texas, California, New York, Illinois, and Arizona. In the past 5 years the name Clarissa has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Clarissa (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 48 | |
CA | 40 | |
FL | 13 | |
NY | 8 | |
AZ | 8 | |
GA | 6 | |
OH | 6 | |
MA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 10 |
1882 | 13 |
1883 | 17 |
1884 | 18 |
1885 | 11 |
1886 | 15 |
1887 | 17 |
1888 | 12 |
1889 | 20 |
1890 | 25 |
1891 | 18 |
1892 | 18 |
1893 | 18 |
1894 | 26 |
1895 | 22 |
1896 | 23 |
1897 | 22 |
1898 | 26 |
1899 | 23 |
1900 | 20 |
1901 | 33 |
1902 | 25 |
1903 | 21 |
1904 | 32 |
1905 | 15 |
1906 | 21 |
1907 | 28 |
1908 | 25 |
1909 | 32 |
1910 | 27 |
1911 | 36 |
1912 | 50 |
1913 | 38 |
1914 | 50 |
1915 | 68 |
1916 | 79 |
1917 | 86 |
1918 | 83 |
1919 | 79 |
1920 | 81 |
1921 | 78 |
1922 | 68 |
1923 | 67 |
1924 | 67 |
1925 | 68 |
1926 | 59 |
1927 | 62 |
1928 | 57 |
1929 | 56 |
1930 | 51 |
1931 | 54 |
1932 | 51 |
1933 | 49 |
1934 | 54 |
1935 | 46 |
1936 | 60 |
1937 | 41 |
1938 | 46 |
1939 | 60 |
1940 | 59 |
1941 | 61 |
1942 | 54 |
1943 | 62 |
1944 | 57 |
1945 | 54 |
1946 | 62 |
1947 | 97 |
1948 | 86 |
1949 | 88 |
1950 | 91 |
1951 | 100 |
1952 | 99 |
1953 | 134 |
1954 | 127 |
1955 | 158 |
1956 | 172 |
1957 | 182 |
1958 | 159 |
1959 | 180 |
1960 | 204 |
1961 | 237 |
1962 | 233 |
1963 | 211 |
1964 | 263 |
1965 | 200 |
1966 | 222 |
1967 | 217 |
1968 | 260 |
1969 | 276 |
1970 | 321 |
1971 | 327 |
1972 | 305 |
1973 | 304 |
1974 | 318 |
1975 | 378 |
1976 | 384 |
1977 | 350 |
1978 | 364 |
1979 | 422 |
1980 | 423 |
1981 | 524 |
1982 | 540 |
1983 | 622 |
1984 | 635 |
1985 | 633 |
1986 | 764 |
1987 | 697 |
1988 | 777 |
1989 | 759 |
1990 | 853 |
1991 | 909 |
1992 | 1,140 |
1993 | 1,074 |
1994 | 1,185 |
1995 | 1,201 |
1996 | 1,157 |
1997 | 1,092 |
1998 | 1,005 |
1999 | 975 |
2000 | 975 |
2001 | 952 |
2002 | 870 |
2003 | 808 |
2004 | 852 |
2005 | 737 |
2006 | 675 |
2007 | 644 |
2008 | 546 |
2009 | 499 |
2010 | 530 |
2011 | 479 |
2012 | 453 |
2013 | 396 |
2014 | 364 |
2015 | 408 |
2016 | 454 |
2017 | 431 |
2018 | 372 |
2019 | 378 |
2020 | 286 |
2021 | 278 |
2022 | 245 |
2023 | 209 |
2024 | 207 |