Clarissa is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "clarus," which means "clear" or "bright." The name has been associated with several notable figures in history and literature, most famously the protagonist of Samuel Richardson's novel "Clarissa," published in 1748.
The name Clarissa gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Victorian era, and it has remained a popular choice for parents ever since. While its exact origin is unclear, some sources suggest that it may have been used as a feminine form of the Italian name Clarice, which also derives from the Latin word "clarus."
In terms of meaning, the name Clarissa is often associated with concepts such as clarity, brightness, and purity. It has been interpreted as symbolizing someone who is intelligent, wise, or even clairvoyant. However, it's important to note that the meaning of a name can vary depending on cultural and personal interpretations.
Despite its Latin roots, Clarissa has been used across various cultures and languages throughout history. In some cases, the name may be adapted or translated differently depending on the language and culture. For example, in Italian, the name is often spelled "Clarice," while in Spanish, it might be rendered as "Claris."
Overall, Clarissa is a classic feminine given name with a rich history and a meaningful origin. Its association with brightness and clarity has made it a popular choice for parents seeking a timeless and elegant name for their daughters.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Clarissa in the United States between 1959 and 2009, we can observe several trends:
* The name Clarissa had its peak popularity during the late 1980s to early 1990s. Between 1984 and 1994, there were consistently high numbers of births with the name Clarissa, ranging from a low of 7 births in 1983 to a high of 16 births in 1994.
* After reaching its peak popularity, the number of births with the name Clarissa began to decline. Between 1995 and 2009, there were significantly fewer births with the name Clarissa, with numbers ranging from a low of 5 births in 2003 and 2009 to a high of 12 births in 2001.
* Overall, between 1959 and 2009, there were a total of 313 births with the name Clarissa in the United States. This demonstrates that while Clarissa may not have been one of the most popular names during this time period, it was still fairly common.
In conclusion, the name Clarissa experienced a significant increase and subsequent decline in popularity over the course of four decades in the United States. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, the name Clarissa remained a consistent choice among parents throughout this time period.