Clarita

Meaning & origin

Clarita, a Spanish diminutive of Clara, enjoyed its peak popularity in the 1930s, particularly in 1932, when it was most frequently given to baby girls in the United States. After decades of decline, the name has been rising since 2012, reflecting a revival of vintage names. In 2025, Clarita ranked 10,917th, with a 1-in-200,908 incidence, indicating its rarity. Its top states of use are not concentrated regionally, but the name is most associated with Hispanic communities. The name's revival aligns with a broader trend of reviving early 20th-century feminine names, and its gentle, melodious sound makes it appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. Despite its rarity, Clarita carries the luminous meaning of 'bright' and is a recognizable choice across Spanish-speaking cultures.

Clarita is a Spanish and Portuguese diminutive of Clara, which derives from the Latin 'clarus' meaning 'bright, clear, famous'. The name Clara was popularized in medieval Europe through the canonization of Saint Clare of Assisi in the 13th century. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the diminutive form Clarita emerged as a term of endearment and eventually as a given name in its own right, especially in the early 20th century.