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GirlLatin#1159falling

Clarissa

kluh-RIH-suh

Letters8
Syllables3
OriginLatin

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."

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Numerology

4

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

IntelligentCreativeElegantKind

Spelling Variations

Peak Year

#1,201 in 1995

Total Births

40,289

First Recorded

1880

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