Clarisa is a feminine given name of Latin origin. Its meaning can be translated to "bright" or "clear," which is derived from the Latin word "clarus." This name has a long history and has been used throughout various cultures over time.
The earliest known usage of the name Clarisa dates back to ancient Rome, where it was often given to girls born into wealthy families. The name was intended as a wish for their daughters to have a bright and clear path in life, symbolizing purity, clarity, and radiance.
In medieval Europe, Clarisa became popular among Christian communities due to its association with Saint Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), also known as Santa Chiara. She was an Italian noblewoman who founded the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, along with Saint Francis of Assisi. Her name, which means "clear" or "bright," reflected her devotion to living a life of simplicity and humility in service to God.
During the Renaissance period, Clarisa gained further popularity among Italian aristocracy due to its association with notable figures such as the Italian poet Torquato Tasso (1544-1595), whose epic poem "Gerusalemme Liberata" features a character named Clarice. This literary reference helped to popularize the name in Italy and beyond.
In Spain, Clarisa became particularly common during the 17th century, as seen in works by prominent authors like Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616), who used the name for one of his characters in his novel "Don Quixote."
Today, Clarisa remains a popular choice among parents seeking a name that combines elegance with historical significance. While its popularity has varied over time and across different regions, it continues to be recognized as a classic and timeless feminine given name.
The name Clarisa has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. In the early 20th century, it was quite rare, with only a handful of births each year between 1911 and 1954. However, starting in 1955, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Clarisa, with over ten births recorded that year.
This trend continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s, reaching its peak in 1976 with 45 births. This high level of popularity persisted for several years, with over thirty births each year until 1983. After this point, there was a gradual decrease in the number of babies named Clarisa, although it remained relatively common with around twenty to forty births per year throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The name experienced another peak in popularity between 1992 and 1994, during which time over three hundred babies were named Clarisa each year. However, this popularity was short-lived, and by the mid-1990s, the number of births had declined significantly once again.
In the 21st century, the name Clarisa has continued to be used but at a much lower frequency than in previous decades. Between 2000 and 2022, there have been between eight and thirty-two births per year, with an average of around twenty births annually. Despite this decrease in popularity, Clarisa remains a timeless and elegant name choice for parents seeking something unique yet familiar.
Overall, while the name Clarisa has experienced periods of fluctuating popularity over the years, it has consistently remained a well-loved option among American parents throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. With nearly three thousand babies named Clarisa in total over this time period, it is clear that this beautiful name holds a special place in the hearts of many families across the United States.