Claude

“lame; crippled”

France origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#586US 2023

1.6kBirths / yr

→Stable

92.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Claude

KLAWD

/ˈklɔd/ · stress on KLAWD · 1 syllable

“lame; crippled”

France origin · Unisex name

What does Claude mean and where does it come from?

Though traditionally a male name derived from Latin 'Claudius', Claude has been used as a female name in modern contexts. Its earliest origins can be traced back to Roman history. Notable female bearers of the name include Claude Cahun, a French photographer and writer, who was a prominent figure in

Cultural significance

Claude has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lame; crippled.

Peak popularity

Reached #553 in 1880 — currently #586 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Claude?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Claud

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Claude?

Claude works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Claude Grace

How popular is Claude right now?

Holding steady — currently #586 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#586 · Top 0.43%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1950

1955

1960

1970

1975

1980

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#586	1,614	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#591	1,594	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#596	1,564	▲ up 9804 · +31180% births
1980	#10400	5	▼ down 2413 · -17% births
1975	#7987	6	▼ down 917
1970	#7070	6	▼ down 3555 · -54% births
1960	#3515	13	▲ up 868 · +63% births
1955	#4383	8	▼ down 719 · -11% births
1950	#3664	9	▼ down 455 · +13% births
1940	#3209	8	▼ down 767 · -33% births
1935	#2442	12	▼ down 238 · -20% births
1930	#2204	15	▲ up 82 · -6% births
1925	#2286	16	▼ down 112 · -6% births
1920	#2174	17	▲ up 83 · +31% births
1915	#2257	13	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Claude

Best Year2023Rank #586

Peak Count1,614

Average Rank#3301

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202317 years

The story of Claude

Claude has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 92,095 babies have received this name. Claude is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Claude in 1880:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

Claude by decade

Claude peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	3,575
1890s	3,730
1900s	3,763
1910s	12,909
1920s ★	17,189
1930s	12,864
1940s	12,883
1950s	10,915
1960s	6,508
1970s	3,301
1980s	2,044
1990s	1,200
2000s	699
2010s	471
2020s	44

What are good nicknames for Claude?

FRENCH

ClaudetteClaudine

RUSSIAN

Klava

ANCIENT ROMAN

Claudius

CROATIAN

Klaudio

What names sound and feel like Claude?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Claude also consider these

France · Derived from the

Aude

France · Noble, brave.

Shaude

American · a variant of

Maude

England · powerful battler

Clyde

Scotland · Scottish

How is Claude written in other languages?

Gender variants of Claude

Claudius ANCIENT ROMAN Klaudio CROATIAN Claud ENGLISH Claudio ITALIAN Klaudijs LATVIAN Klaudiusz POLISH Cláudio PORTUGUESE Claudiu ROMANIAN Claudio SPANISH Claudia ANCIENT ROMAN Claudia BIBLICAL Klavdiya BULGARIAN Klaudija CROATIAN Klaudie CZECH Claudia DUTCH Claudia ENGLISH Gladys ENGLISH Claudette FRENCH Claudie FRENCH Claudine FRENCH Claudia GERMAN Claudia ITALIAN Klaudia POLISH Cláudia PORTUGUESE Claudia ROMANIAN Klava RUSSIAN Klavdiya RUSSIAN Klaudia SLOVAK Klavdija SLOVENE Claudia SPANISH Klavdiya UKRAINIAN Gladys WELSH Claudia ANCIENT ROMAN Claudia BIBLICAL Klavdiya BULGARIAN Klaudija CROATIAN Klaudie CZECH Claudia DUTCH Claudia ENGLISH Gladys ENGLISH Claudette FRENCH Claudie FRENCH Claudine FRENCH Claudia GERMAN Claudia ITALIAN Klaudia POLISH Cláudia PORTUGUESE Claudia ROMANIAN Klava RUSSIAN Klavdiya RUSSIAN Klaudia SLOVAK Klavdija SLOVENE Claudia SPANISH Klavdiya UKRAINIAN Gladys WELSH

Common questions about the name Claude

What does the name Claude mean?

Claude means "lame; crippled" — a name rooted in France 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 Claude?

Claude is currently ranked #586 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 Claude?

Claude originates from France tradition. France 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 Claude?

Claude is a one-syllable name pronounced K L AO1 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Claude sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Claude flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Claude ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.