Clarissa

/klah-REES-sah/

ItalianGirl

Clarissa is an Italian girl's name pronounced /klah-REES-sah/. A name meaning bright or clear that adds a radiant and sophisticated touch.

Meaning of Clarissa

A name meaning bright or clear that adds a radiant and sophisticated touch.

Clarissa is a Latinate derivative of the name Clara, originating from the Latin word 'clarus', meaning bright, clear, or famous. It gained significant historical prominence through Saint Clare of Assisi and later became a popular literary choice in the 18th century.

Origin
Italian
Pronunciation
/klah-REES-sah/

Cultural background

The name is widely used across Europe and the Americas, often perceived as a more formal and sophisticated alternative to Claire or Clara. In Italy, it remains a classic choice that maintains a sense of timeless elegance.

Variations & nicknames

  • Clarice
  • Clarisse
  • Clara
  • Clare
  • Claris
  • Clary

Famous people named Clarissa

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Clarissa Harlowe

    The tragic protagonist of Samuel Richardson's 1748 epistolary novel.

    Literature · 18th Century

  • Clarissa Dalloway

    The central character in Virginia Woolf's landmark modernist novel Mrs Dalloway.

    Literature · 1920s

  • Clarissa Darling

    Title character of the popular Nickelodeon series Clarissa Explains It All.

    Film · 1991–1994

  • Clarissa Dickson Wright

    English celebrity cook and one half of the 'Two Fat Ladies' duo.

    Media · 1990s–2014

  • Clarissa Ward

    Multi-award-winning American television journalist and foreign correspondent.

    Journalism · 2000s–present

  • Clarissa Burt

    American-Italian actress and former model.

    Film · 1980s–present

Frequently asked about Clarissa

What does Clarissa mean?
Clarissa is derived from the Latin word 'clarus', meaning 'bright', 'clear', or 'famous'.
How do you pronounce Clarissa?
It is typically pronounced kluh-RISS-uh in English and klah-REES-sah in Italian.
Is Clarissa a boy or girl name?
Clarissa is traditionally used as a feminine (girl) name.
Is Clarissa an Italian name?
While it has Latin roots and is used in Italy, it is also widely popular in English, French, and Portuguese speaking cultures.

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