What does Clearence mean and where does it come from?
The name Clearence is less common compared to its variant 'Clarence', which has roots in Latin and means 'bright' or 'clear'. The name Clarence gained popularity in the late 19th century due to various cultural influences, including literature and politics. Notable people with the name include Clare
Cultural significance
Clearence has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #896 in 1927 — currently #1005 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clearence?
Clearence works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clearence Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clearence Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clearence Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clearence Claire
French influence · crisp
Clearence Jane
Literary · strong
Clearence Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clearence right now?
Holding steady — currently #1005 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1005 | 1,195 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1010 | 1,175 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1015 | 1,145 | ▲ up 2313 · +12622% births |
| 1970 | #3328 | 9 | ▲ up 687 · +80% births |
| 1965 | #4015 | 5 | ▼ down 1432 · -55% births |
| 1960 | #2583 | 11 | ▲ up 239 · +22% births |
| 1955 | #2822 | 9 | ▼ down 1141 · -55% births |
| 1950 | #1681 | 20 | ▼ down 485 · -35% births |
| 1945 | #1196 | 31 | ▲ up 3 · -3% births |
| 1940 | #1199 | 32 | ▲ up 44 · +7% births |
| 1935 | #1243 | 30 | ▼ down 195 · -32% births |
| 1930 | #1048 | 44 | ▲ up 252 · +38% births |
| 1925 | #1300 | 32 | ▲ up 321 · +39% births |
| 1920 | #1621 | 23 | ▲ up 750 · +109% births |
| 1915 | #2371 | 11 | — |
The story of Clearence
Clearence has been a beloved American name for over 127 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1897. With 1,427 total births recorded, Clearence remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1286 in 1900 to #1005 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Clearence in 1927:
Clearence by decade
Clearence peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 6 | |
| 1900s | 21 | |
| 1910s | 132 | |
| 1920s ★ | 393 | |
| 1930s | 344 | |
| 1940s | 280 | |
| 1950s | 149 | |
| 1960s | 69 | |
| 1970s | 27 | |
| 1980s | 6 | |
💎With 1,427 total births, Clearence is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Clearence?
Common
CleClearClearieClearyEnce
What names sound and feel like Clearence?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clearence also consider these
Common questions about the name Clearence
What does the name Clearence mean?
Clearence means "English" — 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 Clearence?
Clearence 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 Clearence?
Clearence 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 Clearence?
Clearence is a four-syllable name pronounced K L IH1 R EH1 N S IY2 IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Clearence?
Clearence pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.