Clarissa Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Clarissa originates from the Latin word for 'clear' or 'bright', evolving through forms like Clara and Clarisse. It gained popularity in the 17th century, especially due to literary references. Today, it is viewed as an elegant name with a positive connotation, though it has no biblical significance.
The name Clarissa is most popular in Arizona, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the West 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 relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Clarissa has been stalled for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Clarissa' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11609th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 827th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1004th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 810th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 564th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 318th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 413th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 814th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Clarissa' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Clarissa"
Pronunciation
/kləˈrɪsə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Clarissa is derived from the Latin word 'clarus', which means 'clear' or 'bright'. It is a diminutive form of the name Clara.
Meaning
bright, clear
Language Evolution
Clara, Clarisse, Clarissa
Historical Usage
The name Clarissa gained popularity in the 17th century and was often used in literature, notably in Samuel Richardson's novel 'Clarissa' published in 1748.
Variants & Derivatives
Clara, Clarice, Claire
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Clarissa is perceived as an elegant and sophisticated name, often associated with intelligence and creativity.
Famous People
Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Clarissa Ward, Clarissa Harlowe
Explore More Clarissa Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Clarissa"
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 of "Clarissa"
"Clarissa" Popularity Across American Generations
Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
---|---|---|---|
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11609th of 16616 | 21 |
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 827th of 9107 | 1,378 |
Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1004th of 9204 | 972 |
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 810th of 12526 | 2,883 |
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 564th of 19264 | 5,071 |
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 318th of 27321 | 13,470 |
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 413th of 35406 | 12,092 |
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 814th of 30306 | 4,028 |
Regional Popularity of "Clarissa" by Generation for 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 of "Clarissa" by Generation for Female Names
TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
---|---|---|---|---|
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
53.88% 763rd/1416 |
45.69% 630th/1379 |
85.97% 2034th/2366 |
92.64% 1058th/1142 |
Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
57.44% 888th/1546 |
54.56% 849th/1556 |
78.16% 1839th/2353 |
100.00% 1547th/1547 |
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
35.65% 794th/2227 |
30.91% 751st/2430 |
25.87% 738th/2853 |
30.85% 856th/2775 |
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
20.26% 595th/2937 |
18.72% 652nd/3483 |
13.67% 481st/3518 |
14.52% 587th/4044 |
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
9.69% 357th/3685 |
9.63% 431st/4475 |
5.22% 271st/5194 |
4.61% 291st/6317 |
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
12.31% 564th/4582 |
13.63% 704th/5164 |
5.26% 385th/7313 |
4.02% 300th/7463 |
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
27.76% 1106th/3984 |
28.95% 1299th/4487 |
12.43% 848th/6822 |
9.29% 583rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Clarissa"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Clarissa" 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.