N
NamyLab

Clara

female
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Clear; Bright"

Clara is a Latin-derived name meaning clear or bright, popularized through Saint Clare and later European usage.

Themes:latinclaritysaintsclassic
BiblicalClassicTraditionalTimeless

Fact-checked by Dr. Elena Vasquez

Ph.D. Medieval History, StanfordPublished Academic ResearcherHistory Professor (Adjunct) • Historical Names Consultant

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Clara

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#78Top 100

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#78

Clara was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+20

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Clara Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Clara.

9 ideas
Clary
Nickname
clar
Nickname
clay
Nickname
lara
Nickname
claray
Nickname
clie
Nickname
clo
Nickname
aray
Nickname
claraie
Nickname

Similar Names to Clara

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AN-uh

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uh-MAN-duh

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Baby Name Lists That Include Clara

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Clara, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

18 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Clara mean?
Clara means "Clear; Bright". Clara is a Latin-derived name meaning clear or bright, popularized through Saint Clare and later European usage.
What is the origin of Clara?
Clara is of Latin origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Clara?
According to the latest SSA data, Clara is currently ranked #78 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Clara a girl name?
Clara is traditionally a girl name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Clara?
Popular nicknames for Clara include Clary, clar, clay, lara, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Clara?
There are many names similar to Clara in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginLatin
Syllables2
Length5 letters
US Rank#78
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withC

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Girl Names Like Clara

Clara has Latin roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Latin baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Clara appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Names That Mean Light and Timeless Classic Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Biblical Baby Names and Latin Baby Names.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Clara pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Clara beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.