Origin and meaning of the name Clara

Clara is a female given name that originates from the Latin word "clarus," meaning "bright," "clear," or "famous." It was initially used as a surname and became popular as a given name during the Middle Ages. The name gained widespread popularity in Europe due to several famous bearers, such as Saint Clare of Assisi, a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church. Clara has been commonly used in various European languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Dutch, and is also found in other languages through translation or adoption.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Clara

The name Clara is derived from the Latin word 'clarus', which means clear, bright, or famous. It is a unisex name but has been traditionally used more frequently for females. In Christian mythology, Saint Clare of Assisi, also known as Chiara Offreduccio, was an influential figure and one of the founders of the Order of Poor Ladies, which contributed to the popularization of the name Clara in Europe during the Middle Ages. The name Clara has been used extensively across various cultures and languages over time, including Greek (Klára), Spanish (Clara), Italian (Clara), Portuguese (Clária), German (Klarissa or Klara), Dutch (Clara), French (Claire), Russian (Клара, Klara), and English. Clara is a popular name in many countries, particularly in the United States, where it has been consistently among the top 100 most common female names since the late 19th century.

Character traits associated with the name Clara

Clara is often recognized for her intelligence, kindness, and creativity. She is known to be curious and eager to learn, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills. Clara tends to have a compassionate nature, showing empathy towards others and caring deeply about the wellbeing of those around her. Her creative spirit is evident in various artistic pursuits, whether it's writing, music, or visual arts. Additionally, Clara is typically determined and persistent in achieving her goals, combining diligence with a strong sense of responsibility. Overall, Clara is a name associated with intelligence, compassion, creativity, determination, and a love for learning.

Popularity of the name Clara

Clara is a popular female given name of Latin origin, derived from "Clarus" meaning bright and clear. It has been consistently ranked among the top names for girls in many countries over the past century. In the United States, it reached its peak popularity during the early 20th century, ranking as high as third most common in 1900 and remaining in the top 50 until the mid-1960s. As of 2021, Clara still ranks within the top 1000 most popular names for girls in the U.S., demonstrating its continued popularity over time. Clara has also been a well-liked name in other parts of the world such as Germany, France, and Spain, where it retains a strong presence on baby name charts to this day.

Famous people with the name Clara

Clara Schumann, a German pianist and composer, was one of the most renowned musical prodigies of the Romantic era. Born in 1819, she began performing publicly at the age of ten. Known for her technical command and expressive interpretations, Clara was a leading performer throughout Europe and a close friend and collaborator with many prominent composers, including Robert Schumann (her husband), Franz Schubert, Brahms, Chopin, and Liszt. Clara Schumann's compositions, while fewer in number than her performances, are highly regarded, particularly her piano concertos, songs, and piano pieces.

Clara Barton, an American humanitarian, is famous for founding the American Red Cross in 1881. After serving as a nurse during the American Civil War, she continued her work by advocating for missing soldiers and establishing a bureau to aid them. In 1869, Barton traveled to Europe to assist refugees displaced by war, influencing her to establish the American Red Cross in Washington D.C., becoming its first president. Clara Barton's efforts in humanitarianism continue to be recognized as significant contributions to relief efforts globally.

Clara Immerwahr, a German-Jewish chemist and peace activist, was the wife of physicist Fritz Haber. Despite her family's opposition to their relationship due to his Jewish heritage, she married Haber in 1900. As a scientist, Clara made significant contributions to the field of electrochemistry, publishing research on the electrolysis of water and the synthesis of nitrogen-based fertilizers. In the aftermath of World War I, Clara Immerwahr grew disillusioned with the destructive power of technology and, in 1915, took her own life to protest its use in warfare.

Variations of the name Clara

Clara is a feminine given name with various derivatives and spellings across different languages and cultures. In English, it originates from the Old German name "Klara" or "Klare," meaning "clear, bright, or famous."

Some common variations include:
- Clarice (meaning clear or bright)
- Clare (an Anglicized form of the Old French name Claris or Latin Clara)
- Cleo (a diminutive of Clara, which can also be a short form for Cleopatra in some contexts)
- Clemmie, Klaire, and Klara (modern variations of the original German name)
- Chlöe, Clary, or Klaire (alternative spellings in different English-speaking countries)

It is also notable that Clara shares similarities with other names such as Clarissa, Claretta, and Clarabell, which are all derived from the original Latin or Old French name.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "clara"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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