What does Clary mean and where does it come from?
The name Clary is derived from the Latin name 'Clara', which means 'clear' or 'bright'. It has been used in England since the Middle Ages among the nobility. Clary is also associated with the clary sage plant, which has historically been used for its medicinal properties. Although less common today,
Cultural significance
Clary has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright, clear.
Peak popularity
Reached #2581 in 1923 — currently #1682 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clary?
Clary works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clary Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clary Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clary Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clary Claire
French influence · crisp
Clary Jane
Literary · strong
Clary Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clary right now?
Holding steady — currently #1682 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1682 | 518 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1687 | 498 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1692 | 468 | ▲ up 6694 · +3800% births |
| 2020 | #8386 | 12 | ▲ up 2550 · +33% births |
| 2015 | #10936 | 9 | ▲ up 379 |
| 2010 | #11315 | 9 | ▲ up 5330 · +80% births |
| 2005 | #16645 | 5 | ▼ down 1438 |
| 2000 | #15207 | 5 | ▼ down 9059 |
| 1955 | #6148 | 5 | — |
The story of Clary
Clary entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 443 total births recorded, Clary remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6148 in 1955 to #1682 in 2023. Clary is used for both genders: 60% female and 40% male.
Names that peaked alongside Clary in 1923:
Clary by decade
Clary peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 19 | |
| 1920s | 52 | |
| 1930s | 36 | |
| 1940s | 79 | |
| 1950s | 53 | |
| 1960s | 31 | |
| 1980s | 16 | |
| 1990s | 11 | |
| 2000s | 34 | |
| 2010s ★ | 100 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎Clary has only 443 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Clary?
What names sound and feel like Clary?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clary also consider these
Common questions about the name Clary
What does the name Clary mean?
Clary means "bright, clear" — a name rooted in England 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 Clary?
Clary 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 Clary?
Clary originates from England tradition. England 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 Clary?
Clary is a two-syllable name pronounced K L EH1 R IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Clary a common or rare name?
Clary is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.