Last Name Clara

The surname Clara has Latin origins and is derived from the feminine given name "Clara," which means 'bright' or 'clear.' It was popularized by Saint Clare of Assisi, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church. Over time, the name became a common surname across many European countries, particularly in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Clara

The meaning and origin of the last name Clara

The surname Clara, derived from the Latin word "clarus" which means 'clear' or 'bright', is of Roman origin. Initially used as a given name for females due to its association with light and clarity, it eventually transitioned into a surname in various European countries, particularly Spain, Portugal, and Italy, during the Middle Ages. In English-speaking regions, Clara is more commonly found as a given name than a surname, but its usage as a family name has been recorded over centuries. It is also worth noting that Clara can be found in different forms across various languages and cultures, such as Clair in French, Klaar in Dutch, Klara in Czech or Polish, and Kleine in German, all sharing the same meaning of 'clear' or 'bright'. The surname Clara, like many others, has a rich history that reflects the social and cultural changes throughout Europe over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Clara

The surname Clara is prevalent across various regions worldwide, with significant concentrations in countries that have Portuguese and Spanish cultural influences due to its origin from these languages meaning "clear" or "bright." In Portugal, it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames, and in Brazil, it is particularly common in the northeastern states of Ceará, Pernambuco, and Paraíba. In Spain, Clara can be found throughout the country but is more frequently encountered in the region of Galicia. In Latin America, it also appears among communities of Spanish and Portuguese descent, such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. Additionally, it can be found in regions with significant immigration from these countries like the United States, where it ranks within the top 100,000 most common surnames. Clara is less frequent but still present in other European nations like France, Italy, and England due to historical migrations and assimilation over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Clara

The surname Clara has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. In English, it is most commonly spelled as "Clara." However, variations in spelling can occur due to regional differences or phonetic transcriptions. For instance, the Spanish version of Clara is "Clara" as well, but there might be instances where it's spelled as "Clará," with an acute accent on the 'a.' In German-speaking countries, it is often spelled as "Klara." Some other variations include Claira, Klaara, Klarice, Clarita, and Clarisse, among others. These variations reflect the rich cultural history of the name Clara and its diverse adoption across various nations and languages.

Famous people with the last name Clara

Notable individuals named Clara include Clara Barton (1821-1912), an American humanitarian who founded the American Red Cross. She dedicated her life to providing aid to victims of war, natural disasters, and disease both domestically and internationally. Another significant figure is Clara Schumann (1819-1896), a German pianist and composer. Known as one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era, she was also a respected composer and pedagogue who significantly influenced the musical world. In the realm of art, Clara Tureman Callaway (1875-1948) was an influential American glass artist, whose intricate glass mosaics adorn public buildings across the United States. Clara Zetkin (1857-1933), a German socialist and feminist, is remembered for her tireless advocacy for women's rights and labor reform.

Genealogical research on the last name Clara

The surname Clara originates from various regions and time periods due to its multiple possible roots. One theory suggests it is of Latin origin, derived from the word "clarus," meaning clear or bright, reflecting an individual's physical attributes or virtues. Another hypothesis traces Clara back to Old French, where it was a diminutive form of Clare, stemming from the Old English name "Clara," which meant 'clear,' 'bright,' or 'famous.' The name has also been associated with several saints, including St. Clare of Assisi, which may have led to its adoption by Christians in the Middle Ages. Notably, Clara is prevalent in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, although it can be found globally due to migration and assimilation over centuries. The historical distribution and diverse origins of the surname Clara demonstrate its rich cultural history and global dispersion.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Clara"
• Global distribution of the surname 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 : 10 June 2025

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