The name Clarissa has its origins in the Latin language and can be traced back to ancient Roman times. It is derived from the Latin word "clarus," which means bright, clear, or famous. The name is a feminine form of the male name Clarus.

In ancient Rome, the name Clarissa was not widely used, but it did appear in historical records and inscriptions. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name dates back to the 2nd century AD, when it was borne by a Roman woman named Clarissa Paulina, who was a member of a noble family.

The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in Italy and other parts of Europe that were influenced by Latin culture. It was often given to girls born into aristocratic families, as the meaning of "bright" or "famous" was seen as a desirable attribute.

One of the most famous historical figures with the name Clarissa was Clarissa Harlowe, the protagonist of the 18th-century novel "Clarissa" by Samuel Richardson. The novel, published in 1748, is considered one of the earliest examples of the epistolary novel form and was highly influential in the development of the novel as a literary genre.

Another notable Clarissa in history was Clarissa Munger Badger Bates, an American educator and reformer who lived from 1828 to 1895. She was a pioneer in the establishment of kindergartens in the United States and played a significant role in promoting early childhood education.

In the realm of literature, Clarissa Pinkola Estés, an American poet and author born in 1945, is known for her book "Women Who Run With the Wolves," which explores the importance of storytelling and the power of women's narratives.

Clarissa Darling, born in 1870, was a British actress and singer who gained fame in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for her performances in musical comedies and operettas.

Clarissa Ward, born in 1980, is a contemporary American journalist and chief international correspondent for CNN. She has reported from various conflict zones around the world and has received numerous awards for her courageous and insightful reporting.