Clara

The first name Clara has its roots in the Latin name Clarus and means 'the bright one', 'the famous one', or 'the shining one'.

What does the name Clara mean?

The name Clara comes from the Latin term Clarus and carries meanings such as 'the bright one', 'the famous one', and 'the shining one'. Its origins trace back to the Roman-Latin word clārus, which encompasses terms like 'clear', 'bright', 'famous', 'radiant', 'shining', 'distinct', 'upright', and 'respected'. Clara is a historically rich name that was already popular in Germany in the 19th century. However, in the mid-20th century, the name fell out of fashion and was considered old-fashioned until the 1980s. Since the turn of the millennium, Clara has made a comeback and is now among the sought-after girl names in Germany. A common German spelling variant is Klara. Internationally, the forms Clare (English), Chiara (Italian), and Claire (French) are also widespread. Additionally, various diminutive forms such as Clarina/Klarina, Clarissa/Klarissa, and Kiara have emerged over time.

Where does the name Clara come from?

The etymology of Clara is Latin, with meanings such as 'the famous one' or 'the shining one'. The Latin term clarus means 'clear', 'bright', or 'famous'. The name is found in various languages, including Old German, German, English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

How do you pronounce Clara?

The sound and pronunciation of Clara: The name Clara is two syllables and has an open structure. In German pronunciation, it is often pronounced as 'Cla-ra' [ˈklaːʁa], starting with a long, open 'a' that conveys expansiveness. The clear syllable structure and open ending create a harmonious sound. Clara radiates a timeless elegance and appears friendly, bright, and present.

When is the name day of Clara?

The name day for Clara is celebrated on February 10 (Clara of Rimini), April 19 (Clara of Catania), July 22 (Clara of Sambuca), July 28 (Clara of Mallorca), August 11 (St. Clare of Assisi), and August 17 (St. Clare of Montefalco).

Popularity

Clara is one of the historically significant girl names in Germany. The name was already established in the late 19th century and at times reached the top 10, including 8th place in 1904. In the early 1900s and 1910s, it predominantly ranked between 30 and 50 and was regularly given. From the 1920s to the 1950s, its ranking fluctuated mostly between 50 and 200, without reaching a top position.

Nicknames & pet names

Cara / Cla / Clacla / Claco / Clags / Clair / Claires / Claks / Clala / Clalli / Clarackl / Claralein / Claralina / Clarance / Clarapups / Clarasoft / Claray / Claraya / Clarchin / Claretschki / Claretti / Clari / Clarice / Clarifari / Clarii / Clarilein / Clarina / Clarinchen / Clarinchenbienchen / Clarine / Clarinette / Clarinha / Clarinski / Clarissa / Clarisse / Clarita / Claro / Clarrina / Claruschka / Clary / Clatschi / Clay / Clerling / Clille / Clär / Clärchen / Clärchenbärchen / Clärgrube / Clärli / Clärling / Clömschel / Crara / DJ C / DJ Clärchen / Lala / Lara / Tante

Similar first names

Famous people

• Ana Clara Duarte (tennis player from Brazil)
• Antonia Clara Iacobescu (Romanian singer)
• Clara Bellar (French actress)
• Clara Bloodgood (actress from the USA)
• Clara Blüthgen (German writer)
• Clara Bow (American actress)
• Clara de Chatelain (writer from the UK)
• Clara del Valle (character from the novel 'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende)
• Clara Dolny (actress)
• Clara Drechsler (German writer)
• Clara E. Laughlin (writer from America)
• Clara Edwards (American composer)
• Clara Germein (Australian singer)
• Clara Haskil (musician from Romania)
• Clara Henriette Marie Stöckhardt (painter from Germany)
• Clara Henriette Sophie Rilke (sculptor & painter)
• Clara Immerwahr (German chemist)
• Clara Koppenburg (cyclist)
• Clara Law (Macanese film director)
• Clara Luzia (singer from Austria)