Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Clara is a name of Latin origin meaning 'bright' or 'clear'. It evolved through various forms from Latin to English. The name is often associated with positive traits such as clarity and fame. It does not have a biblical background. Clara gained popularity in the 19th century and is still regarded as a classic name today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈklɑːrə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Clara comes from the Latin word 'clarus', meaning 'clear', 'bright', or 'famous'.
Meaning
bright, clear, famous
Language Evolution
Clara (Latin), Clara (Medieval Latin), Clara (Old French), Clara (English)
Historical Usage
Clara became popular in the 19th century, especially in English-speaking countries, often linked to the cult of saints and the growing popularity of the name among the educated classes.
Variants & Derivatives
Claire, Clare, Clarissa, Clarice
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Clara is viewed as a classic and elegant name, frequently associated with intelligence and sophistication.
Famous People
Clara Schumann, a renowned pianist and composer, Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Bow, a famous actress from the silent film era
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,800 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1435th of 7545 | 411 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1702nd of 6773 | 323 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4212th of 7552 | 60 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8050th of 10718 | 17 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12589th of 16616 | 16 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 19652nd of 24088 | 12 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 20190th of 23106 | 10 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 41st of 9107 | 105,348 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 95th of 9204 | 52,588 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 230th of 12526 | 24,160 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 511th of 19264 | 6,147 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 508th of 27321 | 7,325 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 243rd of 35406 | 21,253 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 100th of 30306 | 34,061 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
3.46% 49th/1416 |
4.13% 57th/1379 |
1.56% 37th/2366 |
4.64% 53rd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
7.37% 114th/1546 |
8.16% 127th/1556 |
2.29% 54th/2353 |
7.18% 111th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
12.80% 285th/2227 |
13.17% 320th/2430 |
5.61% 160th/2853 |
10.88% 302nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
18.42% 541st/2937 |
15.93% 555th/3483 |
12.05% 424th/3518 |
13.55% 548th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
12.78% 471st/3685 |
11.33% 507th/4475 |
9.90% 514th/5194 |
8.03% 507th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
4.19% 192nd/4582 |
4.90% 253rd/5164 |
3.87% 283rd/7313 |
3.46% 258th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
1.66% 66th/3984 |
2.27% 102nd/4487 |
1.80% 123rd/6822 |
1.75% 110th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Mississippi across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1435th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1702nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4212th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8050th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12589th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 19652nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 20190th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 41st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 95th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 230th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 511th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 508th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 243rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 100th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.