Rooted in Latin, the name implies a sense of radiance and lucidity. It is a choice that tells the world you value clarity and brightness. For parents seeking a name that bridges the gap between the ultra-popular soft names (like Emma or Olivia) and the spunky vintage revivals (like Hazel or Mabel), Clara sits perfectly in the middle.
Verdict: Clara is an impeccable choice for 2025. It offers the “familiar but not overused” sweet spot that modern parents crave, providing a sophisticated identity that will age beautifully from infancy into adulthood.
Clara Overview
- Meaning: Clara means “clear, bright, and famous” in Latin.
- Gender: Clara is a unisex name.
- Origin: Latin, Hungarian, Slavic, and other origins.
- Pronunciation: “KLAIR-uh” in English. In Spanish, the name is pronounced: “KLAH-rah.”
- Popularity: Clara is a popular name for girls ranking at #102 out of 1,000. While Clara is also a boy name, it has not been on the top 1,000 names for baby boys since 1910.
- Nicknames: Some nicknames for Clara include Ara, Cla, Laa, Lar, Lars, Rah, and Raz.
- Variations: Chiara, Clarah, Claire, Clare, Clarus, Klara, and Klarah.
- Namesakes: Clara Arthur, Clara Barton, Clara Chung, Clara Doty Bates, and Clara Eliot.
What Does Clara Mean?
The name Clara is derived from the Latin adjective clarus, which translates to “clear,” “bright,” or “famous.” While the dictionary definition points to light and visibility, the etymological implication is deeper. In Ancient Rome, clarus was used to describe something that was loud and distinct (clear sounding) or visually radiant (bright), eventually evolving to describe a person who was “illustrious” or “distinguished.”
Therefore, naming a child Clara is not just naming them “bright”; it is bestowing a wish for them to be a distinct, illuminating force in the world. It is the feminine form of the masculine name Clarus, which shares this identical meaning (1).
Where Does the Name Clara Come From?
Clara is primarily of Latin origin. Its history traces back to the Late Latin male name Clarus. While Clarus was used by early Christians, the feminine Clara did not gain significant traction until the 13th century.
The catalyst for the name’s enduring fame was Saint Clare of Assisi (born Chiara Offreduccio). She was a follower of Saint Francis and founded the order of nuns known as the Poor Clares. Because of her piety and fame, the name spread rapidly across Europe.
In England, the name was historically anglicized as “Clare” (English origin). However, during the 19th-century Classical Revival, the Latin spelling “Clara” surged in popularity, becoming a staple of the Victorian era. The variation “Klara” is commonly found in Hungarian, Slavic, and German speaking countries, reflecting the name’s broad European adoption.
How Popular is the Name Clara?
Clara is currently a shining example of a “vintage revival” success story. It is a popular name for girls, ranking at #102 out of the top 1,000 baby girl names, placing it just outside the “Very Popular” top 100 tier.
The name’s trajectory is fascinating. It was a dominant force in the late 1800s and early 1900s, ranking #19 in 1901 (2). Like many names from that era, it slowly faded mid-century as parents turned to names like Susan and Linda. However, starting in the 2000s, Clara began a rapid ascent back up the charts, appealing to parents looking for timeless, literary names.
It is rare as a male name today. It has not been on the top 1,000 baby boy names list since 1910, where it last ranked at #878. Currently, there are over 257,000 people named Clara in the United States, and 99.9% are female.
How Do I Pronounce Clara?
The pronunciation of Clara often depends on your region:
- American English: Pronounced “KLAIR-uh” (rhymes with “Sarah”).
- British/European/Spanish: Pronounced “KLAH-rah” (with a distinct “ah” sound like “car”).
Both pronunciations are widely accepted, though “KLAIR-uh” is the default in the United States.
Is Clara a Boy or Girl Name?
Clara is widely considered a female name today. While it is technically unisex by virtue of having been used for boys in the distant past, modern usage is almost exclusively feminine.
As noted in the popularity section, the name dropped off the male charts entirely after 1911. The ending sound “ah” is traditionally feminine in Romance languages, which reinforces its status as a girl’s name. Parents seeking a masculine equivalent usually opt for names like Clarence, Clark, or the original Latin, Clarus.
Variations of Clara
Because this name has traveled through so many cultures, there are several beautiful variations to consider if you want to honor heritage or adjust the spelling:
- Chiara (Italian), A chic, rhythmic variation famously associated with St. Clare.
- Claire (French), The sleek, one-syllable version that is consistently popular.
- Clare (English), The traditional British spelling.
- Klara (German/Scandinavian/Slavic), A strong, crisp variation.
- Clarissa (Latinate elaboration), A longer, more flowery derivative.
Nicknames for Clara
Clara is a short name that doesn’t strictly need a nickname, but nicknames are a fun way to add affection. Beyond the obvious, here are some creative options:
- Coco: A spunky, retro nickname derived from the hard “C” sound.
- CeeCee: A playful option based on the first initial.
- Clar-Bear: A common affectionate term for young children.
- Lara: Focusing on the ending of the name.
- Clay: A rare, slightly tomboyish option.
Names Similar to Clara
If you love the vibe of Clara, vintage, feminine, and intelligent, but it isn’t quite “the one,” consider these names that share a similar auditory or stylistic texture:
- Claire: The most obvious alternative, offering a sleeker, modern feel.
- Cora: Shares the “C” start and “ra” ending but feels slightly more rugged.
- Nora: Another vintage revival that shares the soft, vowel-heavy sound.
- Alice: Matches Clara’s sweet, Victorian storybook aesthetic.
- Eloise: Shares the “classic but distinct” energy.
- Stella: Latin for “Star,” matching Clara’s meaning of brightness.
- Lydia: A biblical choice that feels just as elegant and historical.
- Hazel: A nature name that shares Clara’s turn-of-the-century popularity.
Middle Names for Clara
Clara is a two-syllable name with a vowel ending, making it incredibly versatile. It pairs well with short, punchy middle names or longer, lyrical ones.
Classic & Timeless
- Clara Elizabeth
- Clara Jane
- Clara Louise
- Clara Rose
- Clara Grace
Modern & Unisex
Whimsical & Nature-Inspired
- Clara June
- Clara Violet
- Clara Pearl
- Clara Fern
- Clara Belle
Sibling Names for Clara
Building a sibset around Clara requires names that can hold their own in terms of history and elegance.
For a Brother
You generally want a name that feels established and “gentlemanly” without being stuffy.
For a Sister
Sister names should ideally share that vintage charm and feminine strength.
Famous People Named Clara
This name has been borne by women of immense talent and fortitude throughout history.
- Clara Barton: The pioneering nurse who founded the American Red Cross. She is a major historical figure representing compassion.
- Clara Bow: The original “It Girl” of the Roaring Twenties. She was a silent film star who defined the flapper era.
- Clara Schumann: A prestigious German pianist and composer, considered one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era.
- Clara Hughes: A Canadian cyclist and speed skater who is one of the few athletes to win multiple medals in both Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
- Clara Chung: A popular contemporary Korean-American singer and guitarist.
Clara in Pop Culture
- Clara in The Nutcracker: Perhaps the most famous fictional Clara, she is the young protagonist in Tchaikovsky’s world-famous ballet, often associated with Christmas magic.
- Clara Oswald: A major character in the cult classic sci-fi series Doctor Who. Known as “The Impossible Girl,” she is a fan favorite for her wit and bravery.
- Clara Clayton: The charming schoolteacher who steals Doc Brown’s heart in Back to the Future Part III.
- Aunt Clara: The lovable, bumbling witch from the classic TV series Bewitched.
FAQs About the Name Clara
Here are answers to the most common questions we receive about this illuminating name.
How Popular Are the Name Variations for Clara?
Klara is not on the top 1,000 baby names list for either boys or girls. Clare ranks #834 on the top 1,000 baby girl names list. The variation Claire is much more popular at #59 in the top 100 baby girl names list. The other spelling variations of Clara are rare, so they do not place in the top 1,000 for baby boy or girl names.
Is Clara an Old-Fashioned Name?
Clara is certainly old-fashioned in origin, having been a top 10 name in the 1880s. However, it is currently considered a “timeless classic” rather than dated. Unlike names such as “Dorothy” or “Mildred” which still feel tied to a specific past generation, Clara has successfully transitioned into the modern era alongside names like Emma and Sophia.
Is Clara a Rare Name?
Clara is not considered rare in 2025, as it sits just outside the Top 100 list in the US. However, it is not “mega-popular.” You are likely to encounter another Clara on the playground eventually, but there won’t be three of them in every classroom. About one baby for every 657 born receives the name Clara.
Does the Name Clara Have Biblical Ties?
Clara does not appear directly in the Bible. However, it is deeply connected to Christian history through Saint Clare of Assisi (Chiara). Because of this strong association with sainthood and piety, it is often a top choice for religious families despite not being a scriptural name.
Is Clara Spelled with a C or a K?
The most common spelling in English, Spanish, and Italian speaking countries is “Clara” with a C. The spelling “Klara” with a K is the standard spelling in German, Scandinavian, and Slavic regions. In the United States, the “C” spelling is overwhelmingly the preferred choice for parents.
