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Clara

The name Clara originates from the Latin word 'clarus', meaning 'clear', 'bright', or 'famous'. It has been historically connected with light and clarity, often symbolizing purity and rarity. The name gained popularity in various European cultures due to its association with St. Clare of Assisi, a follower of St. Francis and the founder of the Order of Poor Clares.

IPA: /ˈklɛə.rə/ · Simplified: KLAIR-uh

Female
Latin
Western European
Europe
Elegant
classic
refined
luminous

65/100

Popularity

Rising

10-Year Trend

5

Countries

2020

Peak Year

Meaning of Clara

Etymology, origin story, and cultural significance.

The name Clara originates from the Latin word 'clarus', meaning 'clear', 'bright', or 'famous'. It has been historically connected with light and clarity, often symbolizing purity and rarity. The name gained popularity in various European cultures due to its association with St. Clare of Assisi, a follower of St. Francis and the founder of the Order of Poor Clares.

Does Clara flow with your last name? — Run the surname compatibility check

How to pronounce Clara

IPA notation and a simplified pronunciation guide.

IPA: /ˈklɛə.rə/ · Simplified: KLAIR-uh

Nicknames for Clara

Common diminutives and short forms used in everyday life.

Clare
Clarie
Clari
Cece

Clara name popularity

Popularity score over the last 10 years and countries where this name is popular.

20152016201720182019202020212022202320240255075100

Popular in Countries

Top countries where this name is most common.

70

Germany

68

Sweden

65

United States

63

Spain

60

United Kingdom

International Forms

How this name appears across different languages and cultures.

Chiara

Klara

Claire

Clarissa

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Collections featuring Clara

Curated name lists where this name appears

Personality

Traits and perception commonly associated with this name.

Clara is often associated with grace and intelligence, embodying a sense of timeless elegance and thoughtful insight. People named Clara are perceived as compassionate leaders who can light up a room with their kindness and clarity in vision.

Name Day

Traditional celebration date for this name.

August 11

Famous people named Clara

Well-known figures who share this name.

C

Clara Schumann

Pianist and composer, 19th century

C

Clara Barton

Pioneer nurse who founded the American Red Cross, 1821–1912

C

Clara Bow

American actress and cultural icon during the silent film era, 1905–1965

Frequently asked questions about Clara

Quick answers on meaning, gender, popularity, and nicknames.

What does Clara mean?
Here is the meaning behind Clara: The name Clara originates from the Latin word 'clarus', meaning 'clear', 'bright', or 'famous'. It has been historically connected with light and clarity, often symbolizing purity and rarity. The name gained popularity in various European cultures due to its association with St. Clare of Assisi, a follower of St. Francis and the founder of the Order of Poor Clares.
Is Clara a boy or girl name?
Clara is traditionally a girl's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.
How popular is Clara?
Clara scores 65/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2020.
What are good nicknames for Clara?
Popular nicknames for Clara: Clare, Clarie, Clari, Cece.
What names are similar to Clara?
Names similar to Clara: Claire, Claudia, Carla, Lara — close in sound, origin, or style.

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