Clairissa

Meaning & origin

Clairissa is a rare feminine name first recorded in the United States in 1975. It reached its peak popularity in 1997, but has never entered the national top 1000, making it a distinctive choice. The name has remained stable in usage in recent decades. As a variant of Clarissa, it shares the Latin root 'clarus,' meaning 'bright, clear, or famous.' Unlike its more common counterpart, Clairissa has not been attached to any notable literary or historical figures, allowing it to feel fresh and underused. The name's spelling, with a double 's' and an 'i,' gives it a lyrical, romantic quality. While it has no strong ties to any particular region or state, Clairissa appeals to parents seeking a name that is both elegant and uncommon.

Clairissa is a variant of Clarissa, which derives from the Latin 'clarus' meaning 'clear, bright, famous.' The name Clarissa was popularized in the 18th century through Samuel Richardson's novel 'Clarissa' (1748). Clairissa emerged as a spelling variant in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the French 'Claire' and the popular '-issa' suffix.