Clarissa
kluh-RIH-suh
The Story of Clarissa
She carries the clarity of the morning sun, a name promising brightness and a resonance that has traveled through centuries to reach you.
Clarissa is a name steeped in light, originating from the Late Latin 'Clarissa,' derived from 'clarus.' This root signifies 'clear,' 'bright,' and 'famous,' a luminous beacon in naming traditions. Popularized in the 17th century through Samuel Richardson's epistolary novel 'Pamela,' which featured a character named Clarissa, the name gained literary acclaim and spread throughout English-speaking countries.
There's a clear, bright sound to the name Clarissa that feels like a promise. When you first imagine saying it aloud, it’s like a light turning on in a room, illuminating everything. This name suggests a daughter who will navigate life with an open, intelligent gaze, her presence making things known and understood. Writing 'Clarissa' on her birth announcement feels like signing your name to a future filled with radiant possibility.
What It Means
“Derived from the Late Latin name Clarissa, which comes from the word "clarus," meaning "clear," "bright," or "famous."”
Nickname Watch
Kids pick up nicknames whether parents plan for it or not. Make sure you love the short forms too.
AI Features
Unlock Clarissa’s Full Story
AI consultant · Sibling matches · Cultural deep-dive · Compatibility scores
🔒 No credit card needed
Numerology
The Builder
Stable, disciplined, and hardworking. Names at 4 convey groundedness and reliability.
Famous Namesakes
Clarissa Harlowe Barton
Founder of the American Red Cross
Personality Traits
Spelling Variations
Peak Year
#1,201 in 1995
Total Births
40,289
First Recorded
1880
More Names Like Clarissa
View allOlivia
Latin
Meaning
Olivia is a Latin name meaning 'olive tree'. It gained popularity from Shakespeare's play 'Twelfth Night'.
Camila
Latin
Meaning
Camila is a feminine name of Latin origin, possibly derived from Camillus, an honorific title in ancient Rome. The meaning is uncertain, but could be "young ceremonial attendant."
Luna
Latin
Meaning
A Latin name meaning 'moon'.
Save Clarissa to your favorites list