Clarissa is a unique and elegant name of Latin origin that has been used throughout history to denote a person of great clarity and light. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word "clarus," which means "clear" or "bright." The name was popular among ancient Romans, where it was often used as an adjective to describe someone who was transparent, luminous, or renowned.
The use of Clarissa as a given name is believed to have originated in England during the Middle Ages. It was typically bestowed upon girls born into noble families, reflecting the hope that they would grow up to be virtuous and distinguished individuals who brought light and clarity into their communities.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Clarissa. One of the most famous is Clarissa Harlowe, the protagonist of Samuel Richardson's 18th-century novel "Clarissa." This iconic character is known for her intelligence, virtue, and resilience in the face of adversity, qualities that have contributed to the enduring popularity of the name Clarissa.
Today, Clarissa continues to be a popular choice among parents seeking a unique yet timeless name for their daughters. Its association with clarity, light, and virtue makes it an attractive option for those looking to bestow a meaningful name upon their child. Despite its Latin origins, Clarissa has been embraced by various cultures around the world, further cementing its status as a truly international name.
In summary, Clarissa is a beautiful and distinctive name of Latin origin that carries connotations of clarity, light, and virtue. With a rich historical lineage and numerous notable bearers throughout the centuries, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a meaningful and elegant name for their daughters.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Clarissa has had varying levels of popularity in the United States over the past century. The earliest record is from 1907 with 5 births, indicating that it was already established as a given name at that time.
Throughout the mid-20th century, there were periods where the name gained some traction, such as in 1966 when there were 8 births and again in the early 1970s with peaks of 10 births in 1974 and 8 births in 1976. However, these numbers remained relatively low compared to more popular names during this time.
The name Clarissa saw a significant increase in popularity starting in the late 1980s, reaching its peak in the early 1990s. Between 1988 and 1994, there were consistently high numbers of births with the name Clarissa:
* 15 births in 1988
* 13 births in 1989
* 10 births in 1990
* 15 births in 1991
* 16 births in 1992
* 14 births in 1993
* 17 births in 1994
This trend continued into the late 1990s with numbers ranging from 9 to 14 births per year until 2000. After that, the popularity of the name began to decline, with fewer than 10 births recorded each year between 2001 and 2004.
In total, over the years for which data is available (1907-2004), there were 384 births in the United States with the name Clarissa. While this number may seem considerable, it is important to note that these statistics only represent a fraction of the overall birth records during those years. Therefore, while Clarissa has been a recognized and used name in the US, its popularity has waxed and waned over time and has generally remained within a moderate range compared to other given names.