Clarissa vs James

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Clarissa

Girl #1,160 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"bright, clear, famous"

Origin: Latin clarus

Cultural Roots

English Italian American Portuguese

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,160
Total SSA Count
207
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Clar, Rissa, Clary

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Clarissa →

James

Boy #5 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English Scottish Biblical

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5
Total SSA Count
11,793
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Jim, Jimmy, Jamie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for James →

Popularity Comparison

Clarissa Rank #1,160
James Rank #5

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #1160 for Clarissa.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Clarissa ___

  • Clarissa Jane
  • Clarissa Rose
  • Clarissa Anne
  • Clarissa Elizabeth
  • Clarissa Violet
  • Clarissa Mae

James ___

  • James Alexander
  • James William
  • James Thomas
  • James Edward
  • James Henry
  • James Patrick

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Clarissa

Araminta Cordelia Sebastian Lysander Beatrice

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clarissa or James more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Clarissa at #1160 in the United States.

What do Clarissa and James mean?

Clarissa means "bright, clear, famous" (Latin clarus origin). James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are Clarissa and James boy or girl names?

Clarissa is primarily a girl name. James is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

James vs Clarissa Clarissa vs Ainara Clarissa vs Carla Clarissa vs Paloma Clarissa vs Beverly
← Full profile: Clarissa ← Full profile: James Browse all baby names