What does Clarice mean and where does it come from?
Clarice is a derivative of the name Clara, which comes from the Latin 'clarus', meaning bright or clear. The name has been used since the Middle Ages and was popularized in the 19th century in the English-speaking world. It is sometimes associated with the famous fictional character Clarice Starling
Cultural significance
Clarice has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright.
Peak popularity
Reached #258 in 1913 — currently #1527 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clarice?
Clarice works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clarice Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clarice Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clarice Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clarice Claire
French influence · crisp
Clarice Jane
Literary · strong
Clarice Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clarice right now?
Holding steady — currently #1527 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1527 | 673 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1532 | 653 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1537 | 623 | ▲ up 2438 · +1680% births |
| 2020 | #3975 | 35 | ▼ down 330 · -17% births |
| 2015 | #3645 | 42 | ▲ up 537 · +20% births |
| 2010 | #4182 | 35 | ▼ down 1678 · -49% births |
| 2005 | #2504 | 69 | ▼ down 269 · -1% births |
| 2000 | #2235 | 70 | ▼ down 280 |
| 1995 | #1955 | 70 | stable |
| 1990 | #1955 | 70 | ▼ down 194 · +9% births |
| 1985 | #1761 | 64 | ▼ down 189 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #1572 | 74 | ▼ down 342 · -20% births |
| 1975 | #1230 | 93 | ▲ up 101 · +18% births |
| 1970 | #1331 | 79 | ▼ down 317 · -25% births |
| 1965 | #1014 | 106 | — |
The story of Clarice
Clarice has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 25,352 babies have received this name. Once ranked #588 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1527 in 2023. Clarice is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Clarice in 1913:
Clarice by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 150 | |
| 1890s | 547 | |
| 1900s | 1,198 | |
| 1910s | 3,800 | |
| 1920s ★ | 5,641 | |
| 1930s | 4,259 | |
| 1940s | 2,758 | |
| 1950s | 2,325 | |
| 1960s | 1,123 | |
| 1970s | 870 | |
| 1980s | 788 | |
| 1990s | 752 | |
| 2000s | 687 | |
| 2010s | 419 | |
| 2020s | 35 | |
What are good nicknames for Clarice?
Common
ClaClarClarieClaryIce
What names sound and feel like Clarice?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clarice also consider these
How is Clarice written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Clarice
What does the name Clarice mean?
Clarice means "bright" — 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 Clarice?
Clarice 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 Clarice?
Clarice 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 Clarice?
Clarice is a two-syllable name pronounced K L ER0 IY1 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Clarice a common or rare name?
Clarice is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.