Declining since 1999, #5,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Klarissa since 1968
Babies named Klarissa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 33 |
| 1980s | 196 |
| 1990s | 885 |
| 2000s | 980 |
| 2010s | 604 |
| 2020s | 173 |
Meaning & origin
Klarissa is a relative newcomer to American naming charts, first recorded in 1968 and reaching its peak popularity in 1998. Since 1999, its usage has been steadily declining. The name has a 1 in 80,363 chance of being chosen for a newborn girl in 2025, making it a rare but recognizable choice. Its strongest association is with California, where it has been most frequently given. The K spelling sets it apart from the more traditional Clarissa, offering a modern twist on a classic Latin-derived name meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. Despite its decline, Klarissa retains a certain elegance and remains a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with literary roots and a contemporary edge.
Klarissa is a variant of Clarissa, which derives from the Latin 'clarus' meaning 'clear, bright, famous'. The name was popularized in England by Samuel Richardson's 1748 novel 'Clarissa'. The spelling with a K reflects a Germanic influence, common in names like Karissa or Katerina, and gained some usage in the United States in the late 20th century.
Where Klarissa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Klar, Rissa, Clara
Sibling names for Klarissa
Names that share Klarissa's style, for a brother or sister.
