"clear, bright"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Klarissa
Does Klarissa flow with your last name?
A luminous Latin classic with European elegance
German
English
Dutch
Elegant
Classic
Sophisticated
Vintage
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"famous, illustrious"
Origin: Latin
Language: German
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The Story of Klarissa
Klarissa is a German and Dutch spelling of the Latin name Clarissa, derived from the Roman family name Clarus, meaning clear, bright, or famous. The name entered widespread use through Saint Clare of Assisi in the 13th century, whose followers became known as the Poor Clares or Clarissas. The variant spelling with K reflects German orthographic traditions where C is often replaced by K.
Klarissa peaked in German-speaking countries in the 19th century alongside other romantic-era revival names. In the English-speaking world, it remained a literary name through Samuel Richardson's 1748 epistolary novel Clarissa, considered one of the longest novels in the English language.
In German-speaking countries, the K spelling signals a distinctly continental European identity. The name carries associations with 13th-century religious orders and 18th-century literature, giving it a scholarly, aristocratic air.
Historical Record
Klarissa first appeared in US Social Security records in 1968.
Over 2,857 babies have been named Klarissa in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Klarissa is past its peak , currently ranked #4,949 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The name Clarissa inspired an entire order of nuns called the Poor Clares or Clarissines, founded in 1212
- Samuel Richardson wrote an 18th-century novel named Clarissa which at over 1 million words is one of the longest novels in English
Klarissa in Other Languages
French
Clarisse
German
Klarissa
Polish
Klarisa
Italian
Clarissa
Spanish
Clarisa
Popularity Over Time
#4,949
Current Rank
Peaked 1998
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Klarissa
C
Clarissa Dickson Wright
Entertainer
1947
British television cook and author, one half of the Two Fat Ladies cooking duo
C
Clarissa Ferguson Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the 1990s Nickelodeon sitcom Clarissa Explains It All, a witty teenager who breaks the fourth wall
C
Clarissa Harlowe Fictional
Other
Heroine of Samuel Richardson's landmark 1748 epistolary novel about virtue and tragedy
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Compare Klarissa with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4,949
- Total SSA Count
- 27
- Cultural Origins
- German English Dutch
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Klari
Klar
Rissa
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, German heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Klarissa
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Klarissa
What does the name Klarissa mean?
"clear, bright" (from Latin). "famous, illustrious" (from Latin). Klarissa is a German and Dutch spelling of the Latin name Clarissa, derived from the Roman family name Clarus, meaning clear, bright, or famous. The name entered widespread use through Saint Clare of Assisi in the 13th century, whose followers became known as the Poor Clares or Clarissas. The variant spelling with K reflects German orthographic traditions where C is often replaced by K.
What is the origin of the name Klarissa?
Klarissa has Latin, German, English, and Dutch origins. In Latin, it means "clear, bright". In Latin, it means "famous, illustrious".
Is Klarissa a boy or girl name?
Klarissa is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Klarissa?
Klarissa is currently ranked #4949 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Klarissa?
Common nicknames for Klarissa include Klari, Klar, and Rissa.
What are good middle names for Klarissa?
Popular middle name pairings include Klarissa Rose, Klarissa Mae, Klarissa Jane, Klarissa Grace, Klarissa Marie, and Klarissa Louise.
What are good sibling names for Klarissa?
Names that pair well with Klarissa as siblings include Arabella, Isadora, Maximilian, Leopold, Gretchen, Liesel, and Sebastian.
How many syllables does Klarissa have?
Klarissa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Klarissa a common or rare name?
Klarissa is an uncommon name, ranked #4949 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Klarissa?
About the Name Klarissa
Klarissa is a girl name with German, English, and Dutch origins . The name means "clear, bright" in Latin .
Klarissa is currently ranked #4,949 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Klarissa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Klarissa include Klari, Klar, and Rissa. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Klarissa include Klara, Klarity . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis