The Baby Name Wizard

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Clara!

Comments and insights on the name Clara: | Edit

I named my daughter Clara Jane. I love her name. It has a classic wise feel to the name. It is not a popular name. I didn't want my daughter to be one of 10 kids with the same name in her classroom. It's just different enough for me... and suits her perfectly.

It's a pretty name, but you often see it associated with a cow in children's literature. Just google 'Clara the Cow' to see what I mean. However you can do this with almost any name...try Googling "Emily the cow" You will have the same results

Personal experiences with the name Clara: | Edit

I named my daughter Clara in 2007

I know a Clara born in 1989. Her name fits her so perfectly; she is a naturally beautiful, intellectually gifted, and compassionate young woman.

Nicknames for Clara: | Edit

Clarie, Clare, Clary, Clari, Clarita, Clarabella

Meanings and history of the name Clara: | Edit

Clara comes from the Latin "clarus", (the feminine form is "clara"), meaning "famous, brilliant".

Famous real-life people named Clara: | Edit

Clara Barton, American who founded the Red Cross
Clara Bow, "It Girl" of the silver screen (first "It Girl" ever). She was the leading lady in the movie "Wings", which won the very first Academy Award for Best Motion Picture. She clearly mastered the art of pantomime. She became known as the quintessential flapper.
Clara Schumann, pianist and wife of the composer Robert Schumann.
Clara Hughes, Canadian speed skater and cyclist. She has won multiple Olympic medals in both sports and is the flag-bearer for the Canadian team in the 2010 Olympics.

Clara in song, story & screen: | Edit

Clara Lukasiak, the younger sister of Chloe Lukasiak and daughter of Christi Lukasiak
Clara is the lovely heroine of ballet "The Nutcracker".
Clarabelle is one of the coaches that Thomas the Train pulls.
Clarabelle the Cow, Disney character
In the movie Heidi, Heidi teaches Clara (Klara) to walk again.
Clara, strong female character in Lonesome Dove (book and miniseries)
Clara, the kind and telepathic mother in Isabel Allende's 'House of the Spirits'
Clara, Doc's love interest in Back to the Future lll
Clara Johnson, the heroine of the novel and Broadway musical "The Light in The Piazza"
Clara Page, character in "This Side of Paradise" by F. Scott Fitzgerald