Clarissa definition

A Latinate form of Clarice, from , a fanciful medieval variant of Clara.

1748 Samuel Richardson: Clarissa, or The History of a Young Lady:

My wife's maiden name - Unmarried name, I should rather say - - - was Harlowe - Clarissa Harlowe - you heard me call her my Clarissa -

I did - but I thought it to be a feigned or a love-name, said Miss Rawlins. - - -

No - it was her real name, I said.