Claira is a unique and captivating female given name of Latin origin. Derived from the Latin word "clarus," which means "clear" or "bright," Claira is a variant spelling of the name Clara, but with a distinctively elegant touch.
The name Claira has been popular throughout history, particularly among royalty and nobility in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was often chosen as a given name for girls born into affluent families, reflecting their parents' aspirations for them to lead lives that were as radiant and clear as the name itself suggests.
In literature and art, Claira has been used as a character's name on several occasions. For example, in Victor Hugo's classic novel "Les Misérables," the character Cosette is sometimes referred to as Clotilde-Claira by her adoptive father, Jean Valjean. This usage attests to the timelessness and versatility of this beautiful name.
Today, Claira remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive choice for parents seeking an elegant and meaningful name for their daughter. Its Latin origins add an air of sophistication and heritage, while its phonetic similarity to Clara ensures that it is easy to pronounce and spell in most languages. Overall, the name Claira is a captivating option for those looking for a unique yet timeless moniker with a rich history and beautiful meaning.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Claira in the United States from 1927 to 2023. Over this period, the popularity of the name has varied greatly.
In the early years recorded, from 1927 to 1950, the name Claira was quite rare, with fewer than 10 births each year on average. However, starting in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Claira. The highest numbers were reached between 1996 and 2003, with over 50 births per year during this period.
The peak popularity for the name Claira occurred in 2008, with 96 births that year. This high level of popularity was maintained for several years, with over 100 births each year from 2008 to 2014. However, since then, there has been a gradual decline in the number of babies named Claira, with only 88 births recorded in 2023.
Overall, throughout the 96 years recorded, there were a total of 2499 babies born in the United States with the name Claira. This shows that while the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time, it remains a recognizable and chosen name for parents across several generations.