Clerence

“Clearing, bright, famous”

USA origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1964US 2023

236Births / yr

→Stable

77All-time births

📅 Since 191300

What does Clerence mean and where does it come from?

Clerence is an Anglicized form of the name 'Clarence,' which has its origins in Latin as 'Clarus,' meaning 'bright' or 'clear.' The name became popular in the English-speaking world during the late 19th century and has been used by various notable people, including Clerence M. McNair, an American ed

Cultural significance

Clerence has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of clearing, bright, famous.

Peak popularity

Reached #2775 in 1932 — currently #1964 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Clerence?

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

Clerence Grace

How popular is Clerence right now?

Holding steady — currently #1964 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#1964 · Top 1.4%

1925

1940

1945

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1964	236	▲ up 5 · +9% births
2022	#1969	216	▲ up 5 · +16% births
2021	#1974	186	▲ up 917 · +2557% births
1945	#2891	7	▲ up 788 · +40% births
1940	#3679	5	▲ up 237 · -17% births
1925	#3916	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Clerence

Best Year2023Rank #1964

Peak Count236

Average Rank#2732

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1925 - 20236 years

The story of Clerence

Clerence entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 77 total births recorded, Clerence remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3916 in 1925 to #1964 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Clerence in 1932:

Robert James John William Richard

Clerence by decade

Clerence peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	10
1920s	23
1930s ★	32
1940s	12

💎Clerence has only 77 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Clerence?

Common

CleClerClerieCleryEnce

What names sound and feel like Clerence?

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

Clemence

France · derived from the

American · Clara, meaning 'clear,

Clarence

American · bright, clear

Clémence

Greek · A Greek name

Clarance

Latin · clear, bright

Clarince

American · A variant of

Common questions about the name Clerence

What does the name Clerence mean?

Clerence means "Clearing, bright, famous" — a name rooted in USA 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 Clerence?

Clerence 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 Clerence?

Clerence originates from USA tradition. USA names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Clerence a common or rare name?

Clerence is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Clerence?

Clerence naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.