Klarissa

Girl Name
Origin:latin
Pronunciation:/kləˈrɪsə/

Klarissa: a female name of Latin origin meaning "This name derives from the Imperial Latin word “clàrus,” meaning “clear, bright, famous, illustrious one". It derives from the Latin word "Clàrus".

The name Klarissa carries a rich history rooted in Latin culture. Derived from "Clàrus", this feminine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Imperial Latin word “clàrus,” meaning “clear, bright, famous, illustrious one. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Latin-speaking communities.

Quick Facts About Klarissa

Quick facts about Klarissa
OriginLatin
GenderGirl name
PopularityUncommon

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Imperial Latin word “clàrus,” meaning “clear, bright, famous, illustrious one.” In English, originally in the form “Clare,” the name is in use since the Middle Ages, then replaced by the form “Clara” during the nineteenth century. 1) Clare of Assisi is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi). She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their “Rule of Life,” the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares. 2) Saint Clare of Montefalco (Italian: Chiara da Montefalco) (~1268–1308) was an Augustinian nun and abbess. Before becoming a nun, St. Clare was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis (Secular). Pope Leo XIII canonized her on December 8, 1881. The feast day is traditionally observed on August 11 and August 17.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

Clàrus

Other Scripts

Russian (Кларисса)

How to Pronounce Klarissa

Klarissa is pronounced /kləˈrɪsə/(Latin)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Klar-issa
  2. Say it like: "KLOOHREEHSOOH"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Klarissa enjoys international appeal, used in 5 different linguistic and cultural contexts including russian, swedish, danish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

russianswedishdanishfinnishgerman
Frequently Asked Questions About Klarissa
What does the name Klarissa mean?
Klarissa means "This name derives from the Imperial Latin word “clàrus,” meaning “clear, bright, famous, illustrious one.” In English, originally in the form “Clare,” the name is in use since the Middle Ages, then replaced by the form “Clara” during the nineteenth century. 1) Clare of Assisi is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi). She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their “Rule of Life,” the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares. 2) Saint Clare of Montefalco (Italian: Chiara da Montefalco) (~1268–1308) was an Augustinian nun and abbess. Before becoming a nun, St. Clare was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis (Secular). Pope Leo XIII canonized her on December 8, 1881. The feast day is traditionally observed on August 11 and August 17.". The name comes from Clàrus. This latin name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Klarissa for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Imperial Latin word “clàrus,” meaning “clear, bright, famous, illustrious one.” In English, originally in the form “Clare,” the name is in use since the Middle Ages, then replaced by the form “Clara” during the nineteenth century. 1) Clare of Assisi is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi). She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their “Rule of Life,” the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares. 2) Saint Clare of Montefalco (Italian: Chiara da Montefalco) (~1268–1308) was an Augustinian nun and abbess. Before becoming a nun, St. Clare was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis (Secular). Pope Leo XIII canonized her on December 8, 1881. The feast day is traditionally observed on August 11 and August 17." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Klarissa offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like RELIGION (SAINTS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Klarissa?
Klarissa is a latin name. The name traces back to Clàrus. In its native script, Klarissa is written as Russian (Кларисса). From its latin roots, Klarissa spread to become common in russian, swedish, danish, finnish and other cultures. The latin meaning "This name derives from the Imperial Latin word “clàrus,” meaning “clear, bright, famous, illustrious one.” In English, originally in the form “Clare,” the name is in use since the Middle Ages, then replaced by the form “Clara” during the nineteenth century. 1) Clare of Assisi is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi). She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their “Rule of Life,” the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares. 2) Saint Clare of Montefalco (Italian: Chiara da Montefalco) (~1268–1308) was an Augustinian nun and abbess. Before becoming a nun, St. Clare was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis (Secular). Pope Leo XIII canonized her on December 8, 1881. The feast day is traditionally observed on August 11 and August 17." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Klarissa a boy or girl name?
Klarissa is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In latin tradition, Klarissa has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Imperial Latin word “clàrus,” meaning “clear, bright, famous, illustrious one.” In English, originally in the form “Clare,” the name is in use since the Middle Ages, then replaced by the form “Clara” during the nineteenth century. 1) Clare of Assisi is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi). She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their “Rule of Life,” the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares. 2) Saint Clare of Montefalco (Italian: Chiara da Montefalco) (~1268–1308) was an Augustinian nun and abbess. Before becoming a nun, St. Clare was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis (Secular). Pope Leo XIII canonized her on December 8, 1881. The feast day is traditionally observed on August 11 and August 17." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Klarissa?
Klarissa is pronounced "/kləˈrɪsə/". This pronunciation follows la language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Russian (Кларисса), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Klarissa is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in russian, swedish, danish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with latin names, listening to a native speaker say Klarissa can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Klarissa?
Klarissa is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Klarissa gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Klarissa's popularity may vary between latin communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Imperial Latin word “clàrus,” meaning “clear, bright, famous, illustrious one.” In English, originally in the form “Clare,” the name is in use since the Middle Ages, then replaced by the form “Clara” during the nineteenth century. 1) Clare of Assisi is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi). She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their “Rule of Life,” the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares. 2) Saint Clare of Montefalco (Italian: Chiara da Montefalco) (~1268–1308) was an Augustinian nun and abbess. Before becoming a nun, St. Clare was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis (Secular). Pope Leo XIII canonized her on December 8, 1881. The feast day is traditionally observed on August 11 and August 17." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Klarissa holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Klarissa commonly used?
Klarissa spans multiple cultures, including russian, swedish, danish, and 2 other traditions. Though latin in origin, Klarissa found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Klarissa, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Imperial Latin word “clàrus,” meaning “clear, bright, famous, illustrious one.” In English, originally in the form “Clare,” the name is in use since the Middle Ages, then replaced by the form “Clara” during the nineteenth century. 1) Clare of Assisi is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi). She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their “Rule of Life,” the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares. 2) Saint Clare of Montefalco (Italian: Chiara da Montefalco) (~1268–1308) was an Augustinian nun and abbess. Before becoming a nun, St. Clare was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis (Secular). Pope Leo XIII canonized her on December 8, 1881. The feast day is traditionally observed on August 11 and August 17." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Klarissa into their naming traditions. A child named Klarissa will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Klarissa is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Klarissa?
Klarissa carries associations with RELIGION (SAINTS). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Imperial Latin word “clàrus,” meaning “clear, bright, famous, illustrious one.” In English, originally in the form “Clare,” the name is in use since the Middle Ages, then replaced by the form “Clara” during the nineteenth century. 1) Clare of Assisi is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi). She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their “Rule of Life,” the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares. 2) Saint Clare of Montefalco (Italian: Chiara da Montefalco) (~1268–1308) was an Augustinian nun and abbess. Before becoming a nun, St. Clare was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis (Secular). Pope Leo XIII canonized her on December 8, 1881. The feast day is traditionally observed on August 11 and August 17." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In latin culture, where Klarissa originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Klarissa sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Klarissa often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In russian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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