| Meaning | bright, clear |
| Origin | English, Latin |
| Gender | Girl |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 8 |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Syllabification | Cla-ris-sa |
About Clarissa
The elegance inherent in this four-syllable choice cannot be overstated—it glides from speaker to listener with balletic grace, each syllable contributing to a harmonious whole. Clarissa evokes classic literature, refined sensibilities, and timeless femininity without feeling dated or stuffy. This name suggests someone destined for accomplishments, carrying herself with dignity while remaining approachable and warm. The built-in nickname options—Clara, Clary, Rissa—provide flexibility as your daughter grows and potentially desires variations reflecting different life chapters. Clarissa photographs beautifully on graduation programs, wedding invitations, and professional credentials, never limiting career possibilities or social perceptions. Its clarity of pronunciation across multiple languages makes it internationally friendly, while its length provides substance and presence. Parents selecting Clarissa demonstrate appreciation for names with historical depth that continue feeling fresh and relevant.
Nicknames for Clarissa
| Clare |
| Clary |
| Rissa |
| Lissa |
Famous People Named Clarissa
| Clarissa Pinkola Estés | American poet and psychoanalyst |
| Clarissa Molina | Dominican-American television host and model |
| Clarissa Burt | American actress and model |
| Clarissa Ward | American journalist and CNN chief international correspondent |
| Clarissa Hulse | British textile designer |
| Clarissa Chun | American Olympic wrestler |
| Clarissa Corrêa da Silva | Brazilian Paralympic swimmer |
| Clarissa Strozzi | Italian Renaissance painter |
| Clarissa Alcock | Canadian artist and art educator |
| Clarissa Scott Delany | American suffragist and writer |
| Clarissa Harlowe Barton | American nurse and founder of the American Red Cross |
| Clarissa Eden | English opera singer and actress |
| Clarissa Dickson Wright | British lawyer and cookbook writer |
| Clarissa Goldsmith | American actress |
| Clarissa Gillington Farran | British botanist and plant collector |
| Clarissa Käfer | German footballer |
| Clarissa Jacob | Indian art historian and critic |
Characters Named Clarissa
| Clarissa Dalloway | From Virginia Woolf's novel "Mrs. Dalloway" |
| Clarissa Fray | Also known as Clary, from Cassandra Clare's "The Mortal Instruments" series |
| Clarissa Saunders | From the movie "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" |
| Clarissa Explains It All | Main character from the TV show "Clarissa Explains It All" |
| Clarissa Hobson | From the movie "Life Is Sweet" |
| Clarissa van Rijn | From the anime series "Little Witch Academia" |
| Clarissa Darling | From the TV show "Clarissa Now" |
| Clarissa Mullery | From the TV series "Silent Witness" |
| Clarissa Stein | From the TV series "DC's Legends of Tomorrow" |
| Clarissa Mullens | From the TV series "The Fosters" |
| Clarissa Payne | From the movie "Payne & Redemption" |
| Clarissa "Clara" Paget | From the TV series "Black Sails" |
| Clarissa "Clara" Harlowe Barton | From the manga "The Earl and The Fairy" |