Clara /cla-ra/ [2 sylls.] as a girls' name is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Clara is bright, famous. Post-classical name from the feminine form of the adjective clarus.In the modern English-speaking world, it represents a re-Latinization of the normal English form Clare. Also a nickanme for Clarissa.lara is a very popular first name for women (#144 out of 4276, Top 3%) and also a very popular last name for both adults and children (#22870 out of 150436, Top 15%).