Clara is a name that has been around for centuries and has a rich history and meaning. The name is derived from the Latin word “clarus,” which means “clear, bright, or famous.” It has been a popular name for baby girls for many years and has been gaining popularity in recent times. In this article, we will explore the origin, meaning, and popularity of the name Clara, as well as famous people who bear the name and variations of the name.
The origin of the name Clara can be traced back to the Late Latin period, where it was commonly used as a feminine form of the name Clarus. The name has been associated with qualities such as clarity, brightness, and fame. Clara has been a popular name for baby girls for many years and has been consistently ranked among the top 100 baby names in the United States. In recent years, the name has been gaining popularity, with many parents opting for the name for their baby girls.
Key Takeaways
- Clara is a name of Latin origin that means “clear, bright, or famous.”
- The name has been popular for centuries and has been consistently ranked among the top 100 baby names in the United States.
- Clara has been gaining popularity in recent years and has been associated with qualities such as clarity, brightness, and fame.
Origin of Clara
Clara is a name that has been in use since the Middle Ages. It has its roots in Latin, where it means “clear, bright, and famous.” The name was originally spelled as Clare, but the Latinate spelling Clara overtook it in the 19th century and became very popular.
Historical Context
The name Clara has a long and rich history. It has been used by many notable figures throughout the centuries, including Saint Clare of Assisi, who was a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi and founded the Order of Poor Ladies. The name was also popular in the Victorian era, when it was considered fashionable to give children names with Latin roots.
Geographical Spread
The name Clara has been popular in many different countries and cultures throughout history. It has been particularly popular in English-speaking countries, where it has been in use since the Middle Ages. The name has also been popular in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, where it is often spelled as Chiara or Clara.
Here is a table showing the popularity of the name Clara in different countries:
| Country | Popularity |
|---|---|
| USA | #98 |
| UK | #105 |
| Canada | #99 |
| Italy | #9 |
| Spain | #13 |
| Portugal | #23 |
In conclusion, Clara is a name with a rich history and a timeless appeal. Its Latin roots give it a sense of elegance and sophistication, while its popularity in many different countries and cultures make it a name that is beloved by many.
Meaning of Clara
Clara is a name of Latin origin that means “clear, bright, and famous.” It has been a popular name for girls for centuries and has a timeless quality that continues to appeal to parents today. In this section, we will explore the literal and symbolic meanings of the name Clara.
Literal Interpretation
The name Clara is derived from the Latin word “clarus,” which means clear or bright. This makes sense, as the name has a crisp and clean sound to it, and is often associated with qualities like intelligence, clarity of thought, and a strong sense of purpose.
Symbolic Meaning
In addition to its literal meaning, the name Clara also has several symbolic meanings. One of the most common interpretations is that it represents the idea of enlightenment or illumination. This is because the name is associated with qualities like clarity, brightness, and brilliance, which are often used to describe spiritual or intellectual awakening.
Another symbolic meaning of the name Clara is that it represents a person who is destined for greatness. This is because the name has been associated with famous historical figures like Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, and Clara Schumann, a renowned composer and pianist. People who bear the name Clara are often seen as having a strong sense of purpose and a natural talent for leadership.
Overall, the name Clara is a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents who are looking for a name that is both timeless and full of significance. Whether you choose it for its literal or symbolic meanings, this name is sure to bring joy and inspiration to anyone who bears it.
Popularity of Clara
Clara is a name that has been increasing in popularity over the past few decades. It is a classic name that has been around for centuries, but it has recently gained popularity in modern times.
According to BabyCenter user data, Clara is currently ranked #88 in popularity for baby girl names in 2023. This is a significant increase from its ranking in 2022, which was #116. This suggests that Clara is becoming more popular with parents who are looking for a classic and timeless name for their baby girl.
The name Clara has also been steadily increasing in popularity in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration, Clara was ranked #98 in popularity in 2010. By 2020, it had climbed to #47. This shows that Clara is a name that is becoming more popular with parents across the country.
One possible reason for the increase in popularity is due to its association with the character Clara Oswald from the popular TV show Doctor Who. The character was played by actress Jenna Coleman and was well-liked by fans of the show. This may have helped to popularize the name and bring it to the attention of more parents.
Overall, Clara is a name that has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few years. It is a classic name that is timeless and beautiful, making it a great choice for parents who are looking for a name that will stand the test of time.
Famous People Named Clara
Clara is a name that has been used by many notable individuals throughout history. Here are just a few examples of famous people named Clara:
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Clara Barton: Born in 1821, Clara Barton was an American nurse who founded the American Red Cross. She was known for her work during the Civil War and for her efforts to provide aid to those affected by natural disasters.
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Clara Bow: Clara Bow was an American actress who was popular during the silent film era. She was known for her roles in films such as “It” and “Wings.”
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Clara Schumann: Born in 1819, Clara Schumann was a German musician and composer. She was known for her piano performances and for her compositions, which were often inspired by her personal experiences.
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Clara Luper: Clara Luper was an American civil rights activist who was born in 1923. She was known for her work in the desegregation of public places in Oklahoma, including restaurants and movie theaters.
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Clara Hughes: Clara Hughes is a Canadian cyclist and speed skater who has won multiple Olympic medals. She is also known for her work as a mental health advocate.
These are just a few examples of famous people named Clara. The name has been used by individuals from a variety of backgrounds and professions, and it continues to be a popular choice for parents today.
Variations of Clara
Clara is a name with a rich history and has many variations across different cultures and languages. Here are some of the variations of the name Clara:
- Chiara: This is the Italian version of the name Clara. It means “bright” or “clear” just like Clara. It is pronounced “kee-AH-rah”.
- Klara: This is the German, Swedish, and Polish version of the name Clara. It means “bright” or “clear” as well. It is pronounced “KLAH-rah” in German and “KLA-ra” in Polish and Swedish.
- Clarissa: This is an elaboration of the name Clara. It means “bright” or “clear”. It is pronounced “klah-RISS-ah”.
- Claribel: This is another elaboration of the name Clara. It means “bright” or “clear” and “beautiful”. It is pronounced “klah-rih-BEL”.
- Claretta: This is an Italian diminutive of the name Clara. It means “little Clara”. It is pronounced “klah-REHT-tah”.
- Clarinda: This is a Latin name that means “bright” or “clear”. It is pronounced “klah-RIN-dah”.
These variations of Clara offer a unique twist to the classic name. Whether you prefer the Italian flair of Chiara or the Germanic sound of Klara, there is a variation of Clara for everyone.
Clara in Literature and Media
The name Clara has been used extensively in literature, film, and television. It has been associated with characters that are strong, intelligent, and independent.
One of the most famous characters with the name Clara is Clara Copperfield, the heroine of Charles Dickens’ novel “David Copperfield.” Clara is portrayed as a kind-hearted and gentle woman who is deeply in love with David Copperfield. Her character is a symbol of innocence and purity, and she is considered one of the most beloved female characters in English literature.
Another notable character with the name Clara is Clara Clayton from the movie “Back to the Future III.” She is portrayed as an intelligent and independent woman who is passionate about science and technology. Her character is a role model for young women who aspire to pursue careers in science and technology.
In the popular television series “Doctor Who,” Clara Oswald is a companion of the Doctor. She is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Her character has been praised for being a positive role model for young girls.
Overall, the name Clara has been associated with characters that are strong, intelligent, and independent. It is a name that has been used extensively in literature, film, and television, and it has become a symbol of female empowerment and strength.