Clarinda is a unique and elegant given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "clarus," which means "clear" or "bright." The name Clarinda is composed of the prefix " clara," meaning "clear," and the suffix "-inda," a feminine diminutive ending. Thus, the name Clarinda translates to "little bright one."
The name Clarinda first appeared in English literature during the 18th century. It was used by the British poet laureate Thomas Gray in his long poem "The Bard" (1757). In this work, Clarinda is a character who represents the spirit of creativity and inspiration. This usage may have contributed to the name's popularity among literary circles of the time.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Clarinda. One of the most famous was Clarinda Harlowe, an American writer and poet who lived in the late 19th century. She was known for her powerful and emotive verse, which often explored themes of love, loss, and the natural world.
Today, Clarinda remains a relatively rare but striking name choice. Its meaning suggests brightness, clarity, and inspiration, making it an appealing option for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter. Despite its Latin roots, Clarinda has been widely adopted across various cultures and languages, demonstrating its enduring appeal as a cross-cultural name.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Clarinda has experienced varied popularity over time in the United States.
The earliest data available starts from 1880 with a total of 7 births recorded that year. The number of births fluctuated in the late 19th century, ranging between 5 to 14 births per year until 1923 when it reached its peak popularity during this period with 16 births.
The name continued to be moderately popular throughout the first half of the 20th century, with an average of around 9-10 births per year from 1925 to 1947. However, there was a notable spike in popularity between 1948 and 1953, with over 20 births recorded each year during this time.
The peak popularity for the name Clarinda occurred post-WWII, between 1948 and 1953, when it reached its highest point with 35 births in 1952. However, popularity began to decline afterward, dropping below 20 births annually by the late 1950s.
From the 1960s onwards, the name Clarinda maintained a steady but low level of popularity, with an average of around 10-15 births per year. There were occasional spikes in popularity, such as in 1973 with 27 births and again in 1984 with 13 births.
However, since the mid-1980s, there has been a consistent decline in the popularity of the name Clarinda, with fewer than 10 births recorded each year. This trend continued into the 21st century, with only a few births occurring annually between 2000 and 2006.
In conclusion, while the name Clarinda has had periods of moderate popularity throughout history in the United States, overall, its usage has declined significantly over time. Despite this decline, it's clear that there is still some occasional use of the name, as indicated by a few births recorded each year from 2000 to 2006.