Klara

Klara is a first name that means "the Bright", "the Famous", or "the Shining". This is a German form of the Latin name Clara.

What does the name Klara mean?

The name Klara means "the Bright", "the Famous", and "the Shining". This German variant is derived from the Latin Clara, which has its origins in the Roman name Clarus. The Latin word clārus means "clear", "bright", "radiant", "shining", "distinct", "famous", "sincere", and "respected". Klara has a long tradition as a feminine first name in Germany and was particularly popular in the 19th century. However, from the mid-20th century, the name fell into obscurity and was sometimes considered old-fashioned. In recent years, Klara has come back into focus for parents, who are increasingly choosing the name Klara or its variant Clara. Besides Germany, Klara is also widely used in Scandinavia. About 38 percent of parents prefer the spelling with K. In Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, the name is written as Klára, while the Latvian spelling is Klāra. In other languages, variants include Clare (English), Chiara (Italian), and Claire (French). Additionally, names like Clarina/Klarina, Clarissa/Klarissa, and Kiara have emerged from Klara/Clara.

Where does the name Klara come from?

Klara is a feminine first name of Latin origin, meaning "the Bright" or "the Famous". The Latin root clarus means "clear", "bright", and "famous". Klara is prevalent in various languages such as Old High German, German, Latvian, Swedish, Scandinavian, Slovak, Czech, and Hungarian.

How do you pronounce Klara?

The name Klara is two syllables and has an open structure. In German pronunciation, it is usually rendered as "Kla-ra" [ˈklaːʁa], with the emphasis on the first syllable with a long "a". The clear syllable structure and the open ending of the name give it a harmonious note. Klara conveys a classic, bright impression – elegant, calm, and present.

When is the name day of Klara?

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

Popularity

In Germany, the first name Klara was primarily placed in the top 60 to top 100 during the 1920s and 1930s, reflecting solid, albeit not outstanding, popularity. It remained consistently between the top 70 and top 100 in the 1940s and 1950s. In the 1960s, and particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, the name experienced a significant decline in popularity, sometimes falling into the ranks between top 300 and top 700.

Nicknames & pet names

Kaja / Kajka / Kalara / Klae / Klaerchen / Klaerchien / Klaire / Klakla / Klala / Klali / Klar / Klaretta / Klari / Klarichen / Klarina / Klarna / Klarwiter / Klatsch / Klearchen / Klärchen / Kläre / Klärle / Kläru / Lara / Naklar

Similar first names

Famous people

• Klara Barlow (American singer)
• Klara Bauer (German writer)
• Klara Berkovich (American musician)
• Klara Borter (painter from Switzerland)
• Klara Bühl (footballer)
• Klara Burghardt (Hungarian poet)
• Klara Cahynova (Czech footballer)
• Klara Csik (Hungarian handball player)
• Klara Deutschmann (actress from Germany)
• Klara Dopel (German physicist)
• Klara Feher (writer from Hungary)
• Klara Hautmann-Kiss (Austrian architect)
• Klara Herczeg (Hungarian sculptor)
• Klara Hofer (writer from Germany)
• Klara Hurkova (German writer)
• Klara Issova (Czech actress)
• Klara Jahn (German theater actress)
• Klara Kadlecova (Czech figure skater)
• Klara Killermann (Hungarian swimmer)
• Klara Köttner-Benigni (Austrian writer)