Rising since 1986, #1,818 for girls today.
Popularity of Claira since 1927
Babies named Claira per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 11 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 15 |
| 1990s | 172 |
| 2000s | 595 |
| 2010s | 1,299 |
| 2020s | 630 |
Meaning & origin
Claira is a modern spelling variant of the classic name Clara. While Clara has been a longstanding favorite, Claira first appeared in U.S. records in 1927 and has seen a gradual rise in use, particularly since 1986. In 2025, it ranked 1,818 with a frequency of 1 in 14,612 births. The name reached its peak popularity in 2014. Its strongest regional presence is in Ohio, Michigan, and Florida, reflecting a scattered but notable appeal across these states. Claira offers a fresh take on a familiar classic, appealing to parents who want a distinctive yet recognizable name.
Claira is a modern spelling variant of Clara, which derives from the Latin 'clarus' meaning 'bright, clear, famous.' Clara has been used widely across Europe since the Middle Ages, popularized by the 13th-century Saint Clare of Assisi. The spelling Claira emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, likely influenced by creative respellings and the fashionable '-a' ending.
Where Claira is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Clair, Claire, Cla
Sibling names for Claira
Names that share Claira's style, for a brother or sister.
