What does Claire mean and where does it come from?
Claire is a French name derived from the Latin 'clara' which means 'clear' or 'bright.' It became popular in the 19th century and has remained a classic choice in English-speaking countries. The name is often associated with clarity and brightness of mind. Notable figures include Claire Danes, an ac
Cultural significance
Claire has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of clear, bright, famous.
Peak popularity
Reached #40 in 2016 — currently #67 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Claire?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Claire?
Claire works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Claire Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Claire Rose
Floral · soft ending
Claire Mae
Sweet · timeless
Claire Claire
French influence · crisp
Claire Jane
Literary · strong
Claire Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Claire right now?
Holding steady — currently #67 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #67 | 3,199 | ▼ down 1 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #66 | 3,380 | ▼ down 7 · -9% births |
| 2021 | #59 | 3,703 | ▼ down 2 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #57 | 3,822 | ▼ down 8 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #49 | 4,829 | ▲ up 4 · -2% births |
| 2010 | #53 | 4,915 | ▲ up 42 · +49% births |
| 2005 | #95 | 3,293 | ▼ down 9 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #86 | 3,711 | ▲ up 43 · +50% births |
| 1995 | #129 | 2,473 | ▲ up 29 · +33% births |
| 1990 | #158 | 1,859 | ▲ up 62 · +57% births |
| 1985 | #220 | 1,186 | ▲ up 184 · +110% births |
| 1980 | #404 | 566 | ▲ up 72 · +46% births |
| 1975 | #476 | 387 | ▲ up 71 · +13% births |
| 1970 | #547 | 342 | ▼ down 144 · -35% births |
| 1965 | #403 | 526 | — |
The story of Claire
Claire has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #40 in 2016. More than 196,904 babies have been named Claire since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #354 in 1880 to #67 in 2023. Claire is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Claire in 2016:
Claire by decade
Claire peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 461 | |
| 1890s | 1,070 | |
| 1900s | 1,967 | |
| 1910s | 7,117 | |
| 1920s | 15,650 | |
| 1930s | 13,035 | |
| 1940s | 10,498 | |
| 1950s | 10,412 | |
| 1960s | 5,976 | |
| 1970s | 3,958 | |
| 1980s | 10,890 | |
| 1990s | 25,345 | |
| 2000s | 39,041 | |
| 2010s ★ | 47,662 | |
| 2020s | 3,822 | |
What are good nicknames for Claire?
Famous people named Claire
C(
Claire (French philosopher)
Claire carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
C(
Claire (French monarch)
Claire bore this name in the French royal court, spreading its aristocratic prestige across Europe.
C(
Claire (French author)
Claire immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
C(
Claire (French impressionist artist)
Claire used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Claire?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Claire also consider these
How is Claire written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Claire?
Common questions about the name Claire
What does the name Claire mean?
Claire means "Clear, bright, famous" — a name rooted in French tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Claire?
Claire is currently ranked #67 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Claire?
Claire originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Claire?
Claire is a one-syllable name pronounced K L EH1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Claire sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Claire flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Claire ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.