Name Meaning & Legal Status · Spain
Clara Name: Meaning, Origin & Spain Legal Status
Showing legal status, local spelling and registration process for Spain specifically. Each of the 7 country pages for Clara contains different data — see the comparison table below.
🇪🇸 Clara — Approved in Spain
Clara is accepted as a baby name in Spain. Generally accepted under naming law, without special conditions.
How Clara compares across 7 European countries
Each row is a different country page for Clara. Your current page (🇪🇸 Spain) is highlighted. Click any other row to switch countries.
What does the name Clara mean?
The name Clara means "Bright, clear, famous". It is of Latin origin and is most commonly given to girls across Europe.
Pronunciation in Spanish: KLAH-rah. Pronunciation varies slightly by region, but this is the form most commonly heard in Spain.
Is Clara approved in Spain? Clara is accepted as a baby name in Spain. Read on for the full origin, Spanish spelling variants, popularity ranking, and the registration process at the Registro Civil.
Origin
Latin
Meaning
Bright, clear, famous
Popularity in Spain
#13
Spanish spelling
Clara
Authority
Registro Civil
Deadline
8 days after birth
Is Clara approved in Spain?
Clara is accepted as a baby name in Spain. Generally accepted under naming law, without special conditions.
The name Clara: origin and meaning
Clara is a name of Latin origin, meaning "Bright, clear, famous". It has travelled across Europe for centuries — its earliest bearer in the Christian tradition is Saint Clare of Assisi (13th century, founder of the Poor Clares), and in modern times it has become widely recognised through cultural figures such as Clara Schumann (German pianist and composer), Clara Zetkin (founder of International Women's Day).
In Spain, the name connects to Saint Clare of Assisi (13th century, founder of the Poor Clares), which keeps it firmly embedded in the Catholic naming tradition and the local saints' calendar.
Popularity of Clara in Spain
Popular choice: typically ranks around #13 in the Spain top 30.
Our database covers approximately 8,500 names recorded in Spain. You can cross-check Clara against this full dataset — along with naming patterns in the 24 other European countries we track — using our free name checker.
Spanish spelling and variants of Clara
In Spain, Clara is used with its standard international spelling. No adaptation or translation is required — the name is recognised and accepted as written.
Naming rules in Spain
Spain regulates baby names through the Registro Civil under the Ley 20/2011 del Registro Civil. Spain has one of the most permissive naming frameworks in Europe — parents have wide freedom, and refusals are rare and reserved for names that could genuinely harm the child.
For the name Clara specifically: Generally accepted under naming law, without special conditions.
Deadline
8 days after birth
Processing
1-3 days
Fee
Free
Appeal to
Dirección General de los Registros y del Notariado
How to verify before registering
- Use our free checker — verify Clara against our database of names actually registered in Spain.
- Call your local Registro Civil — Registrars can confirm whether Clara has been accepted locally before you book the registration appointment. This is especially helpful when using a rare spelling.
- Bring supporting evidence — If the name is unusual, prepare documents: a parent's passport showing the same name, a prior birth certificate, or a reference to a historical/religious figure. This makes a difference if the case escalates.
- Read the full legal guide — See our complete article on baby name laws in Spain for the full legal background.
Similar girl names approved in Spain
If Clara is not exactly what you are looking for, these girl names share a similar European tradition and are commonly accepted in Spain:
Frequently asked questions about Clara
What does the name Clara mean?
Clara means "Bright, clear, famous". It is of Latin origin and is traditionally a girl's name. The name has been used across Europe for centuries and is associated with Saint Clare of Assisi (13th century, founder of the Poor Clares).
Is Clara legal to register as a baby name in Spain?
Yes. Clara is a well-established name in Spain and is accepted by the Registro Civil under Ley 20/2011 del Registro Civil without special requirements.
Do I need to change the spelling of Clara in Spain?
No adaptation is required — Clara works with its standard international spelling in Spain and is recognised as written.
How long does it take to register Clara in Spain?
Standard registration at the Registro Civil is normally processed in 1-3 days. Parents must register the birth within 8 days after birth. The standard fee is Free.
Check Clara across all 25 European countries
See where Clara is accepted — useful for multicultural families or anyone planning to live abroad.
Check Clara →Compare Clara with the other 6 European countries
The data for Clara is different in each country — different authority, different deadline, different local spelling. Open any of the 6 sibling pages below:
✅ Approved
See Clara in France →
✅ Approved
See Clara in Germany →
✅ Approved
See Clara in Italy →
⚠️ Check
See Clara in Portugal →
⚠️ Check
See Clara in Iceland →
✅ Approved
See Clara in Sweden →
Related resources
All approved names in Spain
Browse the full 8,500-name database
Top 30 names in Spain
See current popularity rankings
Baby Name Laws in Spain
Complete legal guide
How to register a baby name in Europe
Step-by-step cross-country guide
Last updated: May 2026. Information is provided for orientation only and does not constitute legal advice. Always confirm with the Registro Civil.