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Clarinda

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How to Pronounce Clarinda

Pronounced kluh-RIN-duh /kləˈrɪn.də/Medium

Meaning: Clarinda extends Clara/Clarissa (from Latin clarus, 'bright, clear') with a decorative -inda ending. It has a literary pedigree, appearing in Spenser's poetry and later eighteenth-century verse as a poetic name for a bright, admired woman.Medium

In 30 seconds: Clarinda is a graceful elaboration of Clara — from Latin clarus, 'bright, clear' — dressed up with a poetic -inda ending (said 'kluh-RIN-duh').

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Origin MediumLatin, English

MeaningClarinda extends Clara/Clarissa (from Latin clarus, 'bright, clear') with a decorative -inda ending. It has a literary pedigree, appearing in Spenser's poetry and later eighteenth-century verse as a poetic name for a bright, admired woman.

U.S. rank (2006)#17719 ↘ Falling

2006 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1952

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,325

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Clarinda builds on Clara and Clarissa, all rooted in Latin clarus, 'bright, clear', with the ornamental -inda suffix seen in Belinda and Lucinda. It carried a literary, slightly romantic air from its use in Spenser and later pastoral verse.

In the U.S. it saw quiet, steady use as a pretty vintage elaboration, peaking gently around the mid-twentieth century near 1952 before fading. It was never common — only a few dozen girls a year even at its best.

Did you know? Clarinda turns up in Robert Burns's poetry: 'Clarinda' was the pen name of Agnes McLehose, the Edinburgh woman with whom the poet exchanged famous romantic letters.

Overall data confidence 60%

References — Clarinda — elaboration of Clara/clarus 'bright'; literary use

Variations

ClarissaClaraKlarinda

Nicknames

ClaraRindaClare

Famous Bearers

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If you like Clarinda…

Clarissa— the fuller Clara-family name Clarinda echoes

Clara— the Latin 'bright' root name at its core

Belinda— shares the ornamental -inda ending

Lucinda— another poetic -inda name of similar era

Explore names like Clarinda

By themevintage latin literary

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Clarinda mean?

Clarinda is an ornamental form of Clara/Clarissa, from Latin clarus meaning 'bright, clear'.

How do you pronounce Clarinda?

It's said kluh-RIN-duh /kləˈrɪn.də/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Clarinda a boy or girl name?

Clarinda is used as a girl's name, an elaboration of Clara.

How popular is Clarinda?

Clarinda has always been uncommon in the U.S., a vintage elaboration of Clara most seen among older generations.