Clerissa

Clerissa is a feminine name that appears to be a variant of Clarissa, which derives from the Latin 'clarus' meaning 'bright, clear, or famous.' This spelling variation gives the traditional name a slightly more unique appearance while maintaining its elegant, classical sound. Clerissa carries the same sophisticated and literary associations as Clarissa, which gained recognition through Samuel Richardson's 1748 novel 'Clarissa' and has been used since the Middle Ages. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending, typical of feminine names with Latin origins. While much less common than Clarissa, Clerissa appeals to parents seeking a name with classical roots but a more distinctive spelling. Its relatively uncommon usage gives it a sense of individuality while still being recognizable and pronounceable.

Pronounced kluh-RIS-uh.

As of October 2026, Clerissa ranked #10748 in US births in 1995 SSA, peaked at #9257 in 1983.