Clara has been around since the Middle Ages and before, influenced by Saint Clara of Assisi's creation of the name Clare. The name popularized Clara with Latin traditions, and it became extremely popular throughout Europe and America. You may think o this name as one that is popular among the elderly as they were born around the 1940s and before. The chicness of this name is coming back in style, however, and the name is becoming just as if not more popular than it was decades ago.

Meaning of the name Clara:

Latin: bright, illustrious, famous

Origin of the name Clara:

Clara is the feminized version of the other Latin name which is Clarus and is reserved for boys. Clarus is said to have come from saints of the early church, while the feminine version, Clara, was crated by Saint Clare of Assisi in the 13th century. The original feminized version may have been Clare in England, but with Latin influences, Clara was introduced and gained in popularity during the 19th century.

Symbolism of the name Clara:

Clara is a name that was created from saints of the early church. Being as that these creators were saints, it would make sense that religious symbolism would be found in the meaning. It could even be that the name Clara is a bright reflection of God.

Baby name Clara

Style of the name Clara:

The style of the baby name Clara is classical.

Gender of the name Clara:

The gender of the baby name Clara is female.

Pronunciation of the name Clara:

CLAR-ah, CLAIR-ah, or CLAR-ruh

Number of syllables in the name Clara:

There are two syllables in the baby name Clara.

Emotion evoked from the name Clara:

Clara is a very natural baby name that rolls off of the tongue easily. It feels refined, but it also lends itself as a name for someone who is genuine and caring.

Alternative spellings for the name Clara:

  • Klara
  • Klaira
  • Cllara

Nicknames for the name Clara:

  • Cee
  • Clare 
  • Lare
  • Ara
  • Laz
  • Lala
  • Cici

Popularity of the name Clara:

The name Clara was the most popular it has ever been from the years 1900 to 1923 as it was on the top 50 list. It remained on the top 100 list until 1938 and began to drop until the year 2014. In 2015, the name came back onto the top 100 list until 2018 and 2020. For both of these years, the name Clara ranked at number 103.

Related names for the name Clara:

Great middle names for Clara and their meanings:

Famous people with the name Clara:

  • Clara Barton (historical nurse)
  • Clara Luper (American civil rights fighter)
  • Clara Berry (professional model)
  • Clara Galle (actress, “Through My Window”)
  • Clara Bow (actress, “The It Girl”)
  • Clara Amfo (professional radio host)
  • Clara Alonso (professional model)

Claras in popular culture:

  • Clara (main character in “The Nutcracker” play)
  • Aunt Clara (character in “Bewitched”)
  • Clara Oswald (character in “Doctor Who”)
  • Clara Brown (character in “Back to the Future Part 3”)
  • Clara Gardner (main character in “Unearthly” series)
  • Clara Dudley (character in “The Haunting of Hill House”)