What does Clearance mean and where does it come from?
Clearance is an English name that is primarily known as a term for removing obstructions or debts. The name has occasionally been used as a given name, though it remains very uncommon. It might appeal to parents looking for a unique and strong name with connotations of purification and resolution. I
Cultural significance
Clearance has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of freeing from obstruction.
Peak popularity
Reached #1292 in 1903 — currently #1122 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clearance?
Clearance works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clearance Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clearance Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clearance Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clearance Claire
French influence · crisp
Clearance Jane
Literary · strong
Clearance Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clearance right now?
Holding steady — currently #1122 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1122 | 1,078 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1127 | 1,058 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1132 | 1,028 | ▲ up 2897 · +20460% births |
| 1965 | #4029 | 5 | ▼ down 1283 · -50% births |
| 1960 | #2746 | 10 | ▲ up 302 · +25% births |
| 1955 | #3048 | 8 | ▲ up 64 · +14% births |
| 1950 | #3112 | 7 | ▼ down 809 · -30% births |
| 1945 | #2303 | 10 | ▼ down 274 · -23% births |
| 1940 | #2029 | 13 | ▼ down 229 · -19% births |
| 1935 | #1800 | 16 | ▲ up 52 · -6% births |
| 1930 | #1852 | 17 | ▼ down 438 · -39% births |
| 1925 | #1414 | 28 | ▲ up 866 · +100% births |
| 1920 | #2280 | 14 | ▲ up 887 · +100% births |
| 1915 | #3167 | 7 | — |
The story of Clearance
Clearance entered American naming records in 1903 and has been in use for over 121 years. With 652 total births recorded, Clearance remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3167 in 1915 to #1122 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Clearance in 1903:
Clearance by decade
Clearance peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 55 | |
| 1920s ★ | 204 | |
| 1930s | 167 | |
| 1940s | 122 | |
| 1950s | 56 | |
| 1960s | 28 | |
| 1970s | 15 | |
💎Clearance has only 652 total recorded births since 1903 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Clearance?
Common
CleClearClearieClearyAnce
What names sound and feel like Clearance?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clearance also consider these
Common questions about the name Clearance
What does the name Clearance mean?
Clearance means "Freeing from obstruction" — 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 Clearance?
Clearance 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 Clearance?
Clearance 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 Clearance?
Clearance is a two-syllable name pronounced K L IH1 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 Clearance a common or rare name?
Clearance is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.