name
Uncommon
Clara
KLAH-ruh
Clara (name) means a female given name of Latin origin, meaning "bright" or "clear.". Example: “Clara Schumann was a renowned pianist and composer.”
name
1
A female given name of Latin origin, meaning "bright" or "clear."
"My mother called me Clara. And everybody else called me Clara until I was fourteen years old. Then I got sick of it. Clara! Sounds like breaking glass. Did you ever stop to think of that, Frank? Say it fast and hit the C."
— Tad Mosel, Other People's Houses. Six Television Plays (1956)
"Clara Schumann was a renowned pianist and composer."
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_____ Schumann was a renowned pianist and composer.
Etymology
From Latin clāra, feminine of clārus ("bright, shining"), made famous by the 13th-century Saint Clare of Assisi.
Class of 1200
Clara joined the language around 1200.
See the full Class of 1200 →
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Clara
See all rhymes for Clara →Frequently asked questions
What does “Clara” mean?
The word “Clara” means a female given name of Latin origin, meaning "bright" or "clear.".
How do you pronounce “Clara”?
“Clara” is pronounced KLAH-ruh (/ˈklɛəɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Clara” in a sentence?
Here is “Clara” used in a sentence: “Clara Schumann was a renowned pianist and composer.”
What part of speech is “Clara”?
“Clara” is a name.
Where does the word “Clara” come from?
The word “Clara” dates back to around 1200 and comes from Latin. From Latin clāra, feminine of clārus ("bright, shining"), made famous by the 13th-century Saint Clare of Assisi.
Is “Clara” a common word?
“Clara” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the meaning and origin of the name Clara?
Clara is a female given name of Latin origin meaning "bright" or "clear." It shares its root with words like "clarity" and "clarify," reflecting a sense of light or clearness.
Is Clara related to the name Claire?
Yes, Clara and Claire both derive from the same Latin root meaning "bright" or "clear," with Claire being the French form of the name. They are considered variants of one another rather than entirely separate names.
Is Clara a traditional or modern name?
Clara has a long history as a traditional European name but has also seen renewed popularity in recent decades. Its simple, clear meaning and cross-language familiarity have helped it remain in steady use.
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