Find out how popular the first name Klaryssa has been for the last 29 years (from 1990 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Klaryssa by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Klaryssa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Klaryssa.

The history of the first name Klaryssa

The name Klaryssa is a relatively modern variant of the name Clarissa, which has its origins in the Latin name Clarissia. This name is derived from the Latin word "clarus," meaning "bright" or "clear." The name likely emerged during the Roman era, as Latin names became widespread across the Roman Empire.

The earliest recorded use of the name Clarissa dates back to the 3rd century AD, when it was used by St. Clarissa, a Christian martyr who lived in the Roman province of Pannonia (modern-day Hungary and surrounding areas). Her feast day is celebrated on October 8th in the Catholic Church, and she is regarded as a patron saint of seamstresses and embroiderers.

In the Middle Ages, the name Clarissa gained popularity among religious orders, particularly the Order of Poor Clares, founded by St. Clare of Assisi in the 13th century. St. Clare, whose birth name was Chiara, adopted the name Clarissa to reflect her dedication to living a life of poverty and simplicity.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Clarissa was the English writer Clarissa Harlowe, the protagonist of Samuel Richardson's epistolary novel "Clarissa" published in 1748. The novel is considered one of the longest novels in the English language and is a significant work of the 18th century.

Another famous Clarissa was Clarissa Darling, born in 1870, who was an English political activist and a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century. She was instrumental in the formation of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and was imprisoned several times for her activism.

In the world of literature, Clarissa Pinkola Estés, born in 1945, is a renowned author, psychoanalyst, and storyteller. Her book "Women Who Run With the Wolves" is a seminal work exploring the importance of myths and stories in understanding the feminine psyche.

While the name Klaryssa is a more recent variant, it retains the essence of the original Latin name, reflecting brightness and clarity. The unique spelling adds a modern twist to this ancient name, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with historical significance and a fresh, contemporary feel.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Klaryssa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Klaryssa, please contact us.

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