What does Clarance mean and where does it come from?
Clarance is an Anglicized variant of the name Clarence, originating from Latin with the meaning of 'clear' or 'bright'. The name gained prominence due to its association with the 19th-century English Duke of Clarence. Its usage has fluctuated in modern times, but it remains relatively uncommon. Nota
Cultural significance
Clarance has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of clear, bright.
Peak popularity
Reached #414 in 1882 — currently #1792 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Clarance?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Clarance?
Clarance works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clarance Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Clarance John
One syllable · timeless choice
Clarance Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Clarance Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Clarance Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Clarance Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Clarance right now?
Holding steady — currently #1792 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1792 | 408 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1797 | 388 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1802 | 358 | ▲ up 3366 · +5014% births |
| 1985 | #5168 | 7 | ▼ down 1014 · -22% births |
| 1980 | #4154 | 9 | ▼ down 480 |
| 1975 | #3674 | 9 | ▼ down 1613 · -53% births |
| 1970 | #2061 | 19 | ▼ down 249 |
| 1965 | #1812 | 19 | ▼ down 515 · -49% births |
| 1960 | #1297 | 37 | ▲ up 80 · +19% births |
| 1955 | #1377 | 31 | ▼ down 402 · -39% births |
| 1950 | #975 | 51 | ▼ down 87 |
| 1945 | #888 | 51 | ▼ down 117 · -20% births |
| 1940 | #771 | 64 | ▼ down 18 · -4% births |
| 1935 | #753 | 67 | ▼ down 161 · -36% births |
| 1930 | #592 | 104 | — |
The story of Clarance
Clarance has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 4,078 total births recorded, Clarance remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #696 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1792 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Clarance in 1882:
Clarance by decade
Clarance peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 107 | |
| 1890s | 123 | |
| 1900s | 196 | |
| 1910s | 598 | |
| 1920s ★ | 928 | |
| 1930s | 763 | |
| 1940s | 541 | |
| 1950s | 371 | |
| 1960s | 225 | |
| 1970s | 111 | |
| 1980s | 72 | |
| 1990s | 31 | |
| 2000s | 12 | |
💎With 4,078 total births, Clarance is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Clarance?
Common
ClaClarClarieClaryAnce
Famous people named Clarance
C(
Clarance (historical Roman figure)
Clarance carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
C(
Clarance (Roman senator or statesman)
Clarance held this name during the height of Roman civilization, when Latin names spread across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Clarance?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clarance also consider these
Common questions about the name Clarance
What does the name Clarance mean?
Clarance means "clear, bright" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Clarance?
Clarance is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Clarance?
Clarance originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Clarance?
Clarance is a four-syllable name pronounced KLAH-RANS-ee-EE. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Clarance?
Clarance pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.