Klara originates from the Latin name Clara, meaning “clear, famous, and bright.” It is the feminine form of the Latin name Clarum, meaning “clear, bright, and famous.”
Klara entered widespread use as a name for girls in Scandinavia and Germany in the late 19th century, likely influenced by Saint Clare of Assisi, an Italian saint who founded the Order of Poor Ladies, also known as the Poor Clares. Saint Clare devoted her life to prayer and living in poverty, and she is the patron saint of television.
In terms of popularity, Klara has been a common name for girls in certain regions for over a century. The name Klara was the 18th most popular girl’s name in Sweden in 2020. It has also been a consistent top 100 name for girls in Norway, Denmark, and the Czech Republic (Klára) for many years. However, Klara remains relatively uncommon in the English-speaking world, ranking outside the top 1,000 names for girls in the United States and United Kingdom.
The name Klara has an understated elegance that has contributed to its staying power, especially in Scandinavian countries. The meaning “clear, bright, and famous” gives Klara positive associations with light, clarity, and renown. Saint Clare of Assisi provides an inspirational namesake for girls named Klara. Overall, Klara is a classic yet uncommon name choice with a simple spelling and pronunciation.
Why Choose The Name Klara
Being derived from the Latin word “clarus,” the name exudes timeless elegance and a sense of brightness and joy. The name Klara evokes images of clarity and light, making it a beautiful choice for a daughter you hope will bring light into the world.
Klaras, throughout history, has been a strong, independent woman of action. Saint Clare of Assisi founded the Poor Clares order and dedicated herself to a life of poverty and service. Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross and served as a nurse during the Civil War. Modern-day Klaras like Clara Hughes and Clara Peller have inspired others with their passion, determination, and can-do spirit.
Giving your daughter the name Klara could imbue her with a sense of clarity, brightness, and joy. The name’s Czech origins also provide an opportunity to explore and celebrate your family’s heritage. Klara is an underused yet lovely name that has withstood the test of time, and one that your daughter will likely not have to share with many others.
The most important thing is that you choose a name for your daughter that feels special and meaningful to your family. But if you’re looking for a classic yet unusual choice with a wealth of positive associations, Klara just might be the perfect name.
| Meaning | Clear, famous, bright |
| Origin | Latin |
| Other versions | Klair, Klára, Klarinka |
| Pronunciation | KLAH-RAH |
| Famous Klaras | Klara Gold, Klara Issova, Klara Koukalova, Klara Hitler |
Interesting Facts
Klara has been a popular name for centuries, especially among Catholics due to the fame of Saint Clare of Assisi. Saint Clare, a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi, founded the Order of Poor Ladies, also known as the Order of Saint Clare. She lived from 1194 to 1253 and is the patron saint of television.
The name Klara has been a top name in many European countries, especially in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Sweden, and Norway. In Sweden, the name Klara was the most popular female name for over 100 years from the 1860s until the 1960s. Queen Kristina of Sweden had a close friend named Klara, who was popularized in novels and plays during the 19th century, further boosting the name’s popularity.
Klaras are often described as kind, loyal, dependable, intelligent and artistic. Famous Klaras include Swedish author Klara Johanson, German physicist Klara von Neumann, and Swedish singer Klara Söderberg from the pop group First Aid Kit.
