Declining since 1995, #5,722 for girls today.
Popularity of Clarisa since 1911
Babies named Clarisa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 13 |
| 1920s | 28 |
| 1930s | 12 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 80 |
| 1960s | 142 |
| 1970s | 333 |
| 1980s | 393 |
| 1990s | 1,091 |
| 2000s | 687 |
| 2010s | 320 |
| 2020s | 89 |
Meaning & origin
Clarisa is a feminine given name with Spanish and English roots, ultimately from Latin clarus. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1911 and reached its peak popularity in 1994. Since 1995, however, its usage has been gradually declining, and in 2025 it ranked 5,722 with a 1-in-76,537 frequency. The name is most common in California, reflecting its Hispanic resonance. Clarisa offers a melodic alternative to the more mainstream Clarissa, retaining the same luminous meaning in a slightly different form.
Clarisa is a Spanish and English variant of Clarissa, itself derived from the Latin clarus meaning "famous, bright, clear." The name Clarissa was popularized by Samuel Richardson's 1748 novel Clarissa, and the variant Clarisa emerged as a simplified spelling, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities. It has seen steady, modest use in the United States since the early 20th century.
Where Clarisa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Clara, Risa, Clary
Sibling names for Clarisa
Names that share Clarisa's style, for a brother or sister.
