Clairissa

Clairissa is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Clarissa, which derives from the Latin 'clarus' meaning 'bright,' 'clear,' or 'famous.' This particular spelling incorporates the French-influenced 'Claire' within its structure, potentially emphasizing its connection to clarity and light. The name has a romantic, elegant quality with literary associations through Samuel Richardson's 1748 novel 'Clarissa.' Though less common than the standard spelling, Clairissa offers a slightly more elaborate and distinctive option while maintaining the same melodic pronunciation. The name peaked in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s but remains relatively uncommon. With its soft sounds and feminine ending, Clairissa projects refinement and grace while offering nickname possibilities like Claire, Clara, or Rissa.

Pronounced kluh-RIS-uh.

As of October 2026, Clairissa ranked #16058 in US births in 2019 SSA, peaked at #4376 in 1981.