Name meaning

Clara Name Meaning - Clear (Latin)

Meaning: Clear, bright, famous
Origin: Latin
Gender: Girl
Pronunciation: CLA-RA

Clara means "Clear, bright, famous" (Latin). Etymologically, Clara belongs to Latin naming and is usually defined as "Clear." Clara comes from the Latin clarus meaning clear, bright, or famous.

Keep Reading

Guides Connected to Clara

Theme List

Names That Mean Light — Divine Radiance List

Is your shortlist glowing? Compare spiritual light names.

Theme List

Love Names — What the Heart Really Wants

Romantic and virtue names meaning affection.

Theme List

Animal Spirit Names — Totem & Power

Wild archetype names parents love in 2026.

Spiritual

Spiritual Baby Names — Sacred Roots Worldwide

Faith, cosmos, and virtue names across traditions.

Meaning and Linguistic Breakdown

Etymologically, Clara belongs to Latin naming and is usually defined as "Clear." Clara comes from the Latin clarus meaning clear, bright, or famous.

Origin and Historical Usage

Clara comes from the Latin clarus meaning clear, bright, or famous. Saint Clare of Assisi, founder of the Poor Clares, popularized this name in medieval Europe. The Nutcracker's Clara remains a beloved fictional bearer of this timeless name. Parents who choose Clara often cite sound and family heritage as much as dictionary meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

Phonetic: CLA-RA
Syllables: 2

Geographic and Cultural Usage

Clara is heard in Latin-heritage families and among parents who want a name tied to Latin sound. English speakers may need one pronunciation cue; after that it is usually easy to remember.

Popularity

Ranked #33 in our dataset. Compare with your country's official baby-name tables before deciding on rarity.

Notable People Named Clara

C
Clara Bow
C
Clara Barton
C
Clara (The Nutcracker)
C
Clara Schumann

Variants and Related Names

Spelling variants

Clare — alternate form of Clara
Claire — alternate form of Clara
Chiara — alternate form of Clara
Klara — alternate form of Clara
Clarita — alternate form of Clara

Related names

Same Latin naming tradition

"Olive tree"

Nova

Same Latin naming tradition

"New; exploding star"

Grace

Same Latin naming tradition

"Grace, elegance, divine favor"

Same Latin naming tradition

"Woman of Latium"

Frequently Asked Questions about Clara

What does Clara mean?

Clara means "Clear, bright, famous" in Latin tradition. Etymologically, Clara belongs to Latin naming and is usually defined as "Clear." Clara comes from the Latin clarus meaning clear, bright, or famous.

How do you pronounce Clara?

Clara is pronounced CLA-RA (2 syllables).

What language is Clara from?

Clara comes from Latin. Clara comes from the Latin clarus meaning clear, bright, or famous.

Is Clara a boy or girl name?

Clara is primarily used as a girl's name.

What does Clara mean in English?

English references usually translate Clara as "Clear, bright, famous." It is not an English word; the gloss comes from Latin.

Is Clara a rare name?

Ranked #33 in our dataset. Compare with your country's official baby-name tables before deciding on rarity.

What is the origin of the name Clara?

What are variants of Clara?