5 of 11

Write now Article Tools

What is in the name? Clarissa although very beautiful and flows quit nicely is not clarified as one of the most popular names around. The name is Latin in origin it is commonly found in medieval documents. Clarissa means bright, shining, and gentle. It is pronounced Kla-riss-ah.

Clarissa has 4 variant forms, Clarissa, Clarisse, Clarisse, and Klarissa. All in all when the sound of this name gets your attention you then have several different choices to choose from on how you would like to spell it. The name Clarissa was made famous by Samuel Richardson who published a novel by the name of "Clarissa". The novel was published in 1748 it tells the tragic story of a heroin whose quest for virtue is continually questioned by her family. This novel was the longest novel in the English language.

The name Clarissa was most popular between the years of 1993 and 1999 in which time it was placed about 200 out of 1000 names. An interesting fact on the name is there is popular street named Clarissa street. This street was originally named Caledonia Avenue by Corn Hills early Scottish settlers in 1844 and was renamed "Clarissa" after Clarissa Graig, the daughter of early investor John Greig. This street is famous for jazz, and for clubs such as the Pythodd Club, the Elks Club, and Dan's restuarant and grill.

Learn more about this author, Tina O'Brien.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Behind the name: Clarissa?
We want to hear your view. Write now!