What does Clementine mean and where does it come from?
Clementine is derived from the Latin name 'Clemens', meaning merciful or gentle. It is widely recognized due to its association with the fruit, which in turn comes from the French 'clémente', meaning bright or gentle. The name gained popularity in the 19th century and has remained a classic choice,
Cultural significance
Clementine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of merciful.
Peak popularity
Reached #363 in 1882 — currently #542 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clementine?
Clementine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clementine Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clementine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clementine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clementine Claire
French influence · crisp
Clementine Jane
Literary · strong
Clementine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clementine right now?
Rising — up 16 spots — currently #542 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #542 | 556 | ▲ up 16 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #558 | 547 | ▼ down 7 · -1% births |
| 2021 | #551 | 554 | ▲ up 59 · +17% births |
| 2020 | #610 | 472 | ▲ up 208 · +38% births |
| 2015 | #818 | 342 | ▲ up 810 · +159% births |
| 2010 | #1628 | 132 | ▲ up 1158 · +124% births |
| 2005 | #2786 | 59 | ▲ up 3698 · +269% births |
| 2000 | #6484 | 16 | ▲ up 1601 · +60% births |
| 1995 | #8085 | 10 | ▼ down 782 · -9% births |
| 1990 | #7303 | 11 | ▲ up 3376 · +120% births |
| 1985 | #10679 | 5 | ▼ down 3261 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #7418 | 8 | ▼ down 243 · +14% births |
| 1975 | #7175 | 7 | ▼ down 1357 · -12% births |
| 1970 | #5818 | 8 | ▼ down 3524 · -70% births |
| 1965 | #2294 | 27 | — |
The story of Clementine
Clementine has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 10,665 babies have received this name.
Names that peaked alongside Clementine in 1882:
Clementine by decade
Clementine peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 203 | |
| 1890s | 305 | |
| 1900s | 377 | |
| 1910s | 1,171 | |
| 1920s | 1,291 | |
| 1930s | 962 | |
| 1940s | 910 | |
| 1950s | 911 | |
| 1960s | 299 | |
| 1970s | 73 | |
| 1980s | 69 | |
| 1990s | 91 | |
| 2000s | 573 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,958 | |
| 2020s | 472 | |
What are good nicknames for Clementine?
Common
CleClemClemieClemyIne
Famous people named Clementine
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Clementine (French monarch)
Clementine bore this name in the French royal court, spreading its aristocratic prestige across Europe.
C(
Clementine (French impressionist artist)
Clementine used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
C(
Clementine (medieval French noble)
Clementine held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
C(
Clementine (French author)
Clementine immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Clementine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clementine also consider these
Common questions about the name Clementine
What does the name Clementine mean?
Clementine means "merciful" — a name rooted in French 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 Clementine?
Clementine is currently ranked #542 as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Clementine have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Clementine?
Clementine originates from French tradition. French 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 Clementine?
Clementine is a three-syllable name pronounced K L EH1 M AH0 N T AY2 N. 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 Clementine?
Clementine pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar French heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.