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Clara

Girl name · 832 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Clara: 832 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 51 births in 2025.

Clara derives from the Latin *clarus*, meaning “clear, bright, or famous,” and was popularised across Europe by the 13th-century Saint Clare of Assisi, whose name in Italian is Chiara. Notable bearers include Clara Barton, the pioneering nurse who founded the American Red Cross, and Clara Schumann, the virtuoso pianist and composer who shaped 19th-century classical music. The name also echoes in place names such as Santa Clara, California, and the River Clara in the Scottish Highlands, which share the same root. A favourite variant in Scotland is Claire, while Clara itself has remained a steady, classic choice for its luminous simplicity and timeless elegance.