What does Clarence mean and where does it come from?
Although traditionally a male name, Clarence has been used for females as well. It is derived from the Latin word 'clara', meaning bright or clear. The name became popular in the 19th century and is often associated with nobility due to the House of Clarence, a branch of the British royal family. Fa
Cultural significance
Clarence has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright, clear.
Peak popularity
Reached #687 in 1880 — currently #1516 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clarence?
Clarence works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clarence Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clarence Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clarence Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clarence Claire
French influence · crisp
Clarence Jane
Literary · strong
Clarence Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clarence right now?
Holding steady — currently #1516 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1516 | 684 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1521 | 664 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1526 | 634 | ▲ up 11440 · +12580% births |
| 1990 | #12966 | 5 | ▼ down 6502 · -50% births |
| 1985 | #6464 | 10 | ▲ up 332 · +11% births |
| 1980 | #6796 | 9 | ▼ down 1276 · -10% births |
| 1975 | #5520 | 10 | ▼ down 1935 · -41% births |
| 1970 | #3585 | 17 | ▼ down 182 · +21% births |
| 1965 | #3403 | 14 | ▼ down 302 · -12% births |
| 1960 | #3101 | 16 | ▼ down 370 · -6% births |
| 1955 | #2731 | 17 | ▼ down 292 |
| 1950 | #2439 | 17 | ▼ down 693 · -26% births |
| 1945 | #1746 | 23 | ▼ down 62 · +5% births |
| 1940 | #1684 | 22 | ▲ up 168 · +22% births |
| 1935 | #1852 | 18 | — |
The story of Clarence
Clarence has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. More than 304,776 babies have been named Clarence since 1880. Once ranked #687 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1516 in 2023. Clarence is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Clarence in 1880:
Clarence by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 8,777 | |
| 1890s | 11,948 | |
| 1900s | 13,651 | |
| 1910s | 49,468 | |
| 1920s ★ | 66,981 | |
| 1930s | 42,951 | |
| 1940s | 36,396 | |
| 1950s | 29,654 | |
| 1960s | 17,666 | |
| 1970s | 10,794 | |
| 1980s | 7,438 | |
| 1990s | 4,547 | |
| 2000s | 2,586 | |
| 2010s | 1,785 | |
| 2020s | 134 | |
What are good nicknames for Clarence?
Common
ClaClarClarieClaryEnce
What names sound and feel like Clarence?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clarence also consider these
Common questions about the name Clarence
What does the name Clarence mean?
Clarence means "bright, clear" — a name rooted in American 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 Clarence?
Clarence is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Clarence?
Clarence originates from American tradition. American 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 Clarence?
Clarence is a two-syllable name pronounced K L EH1 R AH0 N S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Clarence a common or rare name?
Clarence is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.