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.
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Related Reading
USA-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Clerence Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clerence Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clerence Claire
French influence · crisp
Clerence Jane
Literary · strong
Clerence Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clerence right now?
Holding steady — currently #1964 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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
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.