Clarissa

Meaning of Clarissa

Clarissa is a name that means 'clear' or 'bright'. It suggests someone who is understandable and shines with intelligence.

Clarissa has Latin roots — browse every Latin baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Clarissa

After ranking as high as #325 in 2001, Clarissa has fallen out of the US top 1,000 as of 2025.

Notable people named Clarissa

• Clarissa Ward
  Award-winning CNN journalist
• Clarissa Explains It All
  Fictional character, teen icon
• Clarissa Molina
  Miss Dominican Republic, TV host
• Clarissa Eden
  Wife of Prime Minister Anthony Eden
• Clarissa Pinkola Estés
  Author of Women Who Run With the Wolves

More Latin names

Questions about the name Clarissa

What does the name Clarissa mean?

Clarissa means clarissa is a name that means 'clear' or 'bright'. it suggests someone who is understandable and shines with intelligence, and it comes from Latin origins.

Is Clarissa a boy's or a girl's name?

Clarissa is most commonly used as a girl's name in the United States.

How popular is the name Clarissa?

Clarissa did not appear in the top 1,000 baby names in 2025, which makes it a genuinely uncommon pick.

When was Clarissa most popular?

Clarissa peaked at #325 in 2001.