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Clara Girl

Popularity: #78 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationKLAIR-uh / /ˈklɑːrə/

Latin; French

Meaning

Latin: bright, clear; French: famous

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Clara has its roots in the Latin word "clarus," which means "clear," "bright," or "famous." This term evolved through various linguistic stages, first appearing in the Latin form during the Roman Empire. From Latin, it transitioned into Old French as "Clare," before being adopted into Middle English as "Clara" in the 13th century. The name's journey into English reflects a broader trend of borrowing from Latin and French, particularly during the Norman Conquest and subsequent centuries when these languages significantly influenced English vocabulary and nomenclature.

Historically, Clara has been associated with several notable figures and events. One of the earliest references is Saint Clara of Assisi, who founded the Order of Poor Ladies in the 13th century. Her life and work were documented in various hagiographies, which contributed to the name's religious significance. The name also appears in literary works, such as in the writings of the medieval poet Dante Alighieri, who used it to convey themes of purity and light. Additionally, the name gained prominence in the Renaissance, a period marked by a revival of interest in classical antiquity and humanist ideals, further solidifying its association with brightness and clarity.

Culturally, Clara has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing purity, clarity, and enlightenment. The name has been used in numerous artistic and literary contexts, reinforcing its positive connotations. In music, for instance, Clara Schumann, a renowned composer and pianist of the 19th century, contributed to the name's cultural resonance. The diminutive form "Clare" has also been used historically, though Clara remains the more widely recognized version. Overall, Clara's etymological roots, historical milestones, and cultural significance have contributed to its enduring presence in various societies.

Trend Summary

Clara has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, ranking consistently within the top 100 names in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Clare
  • Clarissa
  • Clea

International Variants

  • Clara (Spanish)
  • Clara (Italian)
  • Klara (German)
  • Claire (French)

Famous people named Clara

Clara Schumann is a pianist and composer best known for her piano concertos, Lieder, and her contributions to the Romantic music repertoire.

Clara Barton is a nurse and humanitarian best known for founding the American Red Cross and her work during the Civil War.

Clara Bow is an actress best known for her roles in It, Wings, and The Wild Party.

Clara Hughes is a cyclist and speed skater best known for winning multiple Olympic medals in both sports.

Clara Oswald is a fictional character best known as a companion of the Doctor in the television series Doctor Who.

Fictional characters named Clara

Clara Oswald is a fictional character from the TV series Doctor Who. She is a companion of the Doctor who plays a significant role in various story arcs throughout the series.

Clara is a fictional character from the video game series The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel. She is a key member of the group known as Class VII, contributing to their adventures and challenges.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Clara was first seen in the United States in 1880. Clara has ranked as high as #77 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, and California. In the past 5 years the name Clara has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Clara (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 259
9%
CA 198
7%
OH 159
5%
NY 128
4%
PA 127
4%
FL 121
4%
IL 107
4%
MN 102
4%
NC 97
3%
VA 91
3%
TN 88
3%
MO 87
3%
MA 86
3%
GA 83
3%
WA 83
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18801,226
18811,242
18821,490
18831,548
18841,852
18851,910
18861,916
18871,984
18882,230
18892,319
18902,496
18912,360
18922,661
18932,532
18942,603
18952,613
18962,582
18972,454
18982,731
18992,441
19002,826
19012,319
19022,432
19032,342
19042,281
19052,397
19062,228
19072,319
19082,352
19092,403
19102,665
19112,691
19123,480
19133,633
19144,240
19155,285
19165,544
19175,626
19185,778
19195,404
19205,470
19215,606
19225,126
19235,134
19244,988
19254,776
19264,464
19274,365
19284,106
19294,148
19304,124
19313,899
19323,564
19333,412
19343,222
19353,067
19362,684
19372,573
19382,662
19392,451
19402,316
19412,300
19422,246
19432,083
19441,931
19451,800
19461,913
19471,935
19481,793
19491,711
19501,571
19511,549
19521,511
19531,383
19541,185
19551,300
19561,147
19571,109
19581,027
1959987
1960914
1961878
1962798
1963750
1964699
1965569
1966551
1967515
1968413
1969417
1970358
1971339
1972367
1973332
1974317
1975337
1976314
1977297
1978287
1979342
1980392
1981321
1982327
1983310
1984319
1985357
1986388
1987406
1988421
1989426
1990467
1991529
1992536
1993596
1994592
1995661
1996669
1997654
1998768
1999794
2000879
2001958
20021,031
20031,059
20041,170
20051,331
20061,497
20071,554
20081,654
20091,649
20101,842
20112,078
20122,335
20132,508
20142,860
20153,070
20163,075
20173,044
20182,892
20192,950
20202,696
20212,693
20222,552
20232,661
20243,060