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NamyLab

Clarissa

female
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Very Bright"

Derived from Latin clarus, it was reinforced in English by literary usage and remains associated with clarity and brightness themes.

Themes:clarityliterarylatinate

Fact-checked by Lily Anderson

M.F.A. Creative Writing, Sarah LawrencePublished NovelistName Collection CuratorCreative Names Editor

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

Popularity History of Clarissa

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#1159Ranked in 2024

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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
#1159

Clarissa was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
-1

lower 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

Clarissa Nicknames

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

10 ideas
Claie
Nickname
Clar
Nickname
clar
Nickname
clay
Nickname
clie
Nickname
issa
Nickname
ssay
Nickname
clo
Nickname
cl
Nickname
ariy
Nickname

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Clarissa mean?
Clarissa means "Very Bright". Derived from Latin clarus, it was reinforced in English by literary usage and remains associated with clarity and bright
What is the origin of Clarissa?
Clarissa 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 Clarissa?
According to the latest SSA data, Clarissa is currently ranked #1159 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 Clarissa a girl name?
Clarissa 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 Clarissa?
Popular nicknames for Clarissa include Claie, Clar, clar, clay, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Clarissa?
There are many names similar to Clarissa in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginLatin, English
Syllables3
Length8 letters
US Rank#1159
Trend↓ Falling
Starts withC

Explore More Girl Names Like Clarissa

Clarissa 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.

Clarissa appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Names That Mean Light and Unique Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Latin Baby Names and Traditional English Names.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Clarissa pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Clarissa 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.