"bright, clear, famous"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Clarence
Pronunciation: [ kl-EHR-uhns ]
Does Clarence flow with your last name?
A bold gender-flip on a classic with angelic associations
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American
Vintage
Unique
Bold
Traditional
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Clarence
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"from Clare, the bright place"
Origin: Latin place name
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Traditionally a male name; may prompt questions about gender
The Story of Clarence
Clarence derives from the Latin Clarentia, relating to the English title Duke of Clarence, which in turn comes from Clare in Suffolk, England (whose name derives from the Latin clarus meaning bright, clear, or famous). As a female given name, Clarence represents the Victorian and Edwardian tradition of giving daughters traditionally male names — a trend that has never fully disappeared.
Clarence was primarily a male name in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but like other traditionally male names (James, Elliott, Hunter), it has occasionally appeared as a feminine choice. Its use for girls remains rare, making it a genuinely distinctive choice for parents who appreciate unexpected gender-bending names.
In American culture, Clarence is strongly associated with the Christmas film It's a Wonderful Life (1946), in which Clarence Odbody is the angel who helps George Bailey. For girls, the name brings this warm, hopeful cultural association with an unexpected twist.
Historical Record
Clarence first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 552 babies have been named Clarence in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clarence is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #71,545 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The title Duke of Clarence has been held by British royals since the 14th century
- Clarence the angel from It's a Wonderful Life is one of cinema's most beloved characters, helping cement the name's warm associations
Clarence in Other Languages
Latin
Clarentia
French
Clarence
Italian
Clarence
Spanish
Clarencia
Portuguese
Clarence
Popularity Over Time
#71,545
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #71,545
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Clare
Clary
Ren
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clarence
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Clarence is also used as a boy name, ranked #1563.
View Clarence as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clarence
What does the name Clarence mean?
"bright, clear, famous" (from Latin). "from Clare, the bright place" (from Latin place name). Clarence derives from the Latin Clarentia, relating to the English title Duke of Clarence, which in turn comes from Clare in Suffolk, England (whose name derives from the Latin clarus meaning bright, clear, or famous). As a female given name, Clarence represents the Victorian and Edwardian tradition of giving daughters traditionally male names — a trend that has never fully disappeared.
What is the origin of the name Clarence?
Clarence has Latin, Latin place name, English, and American origins. In Latin, it means "bright, clear, famous". In Latin place name, it means "from Clare, the bright place".
Is Clarence a boy or girl name?
Clarence is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #71545. As a boy name, it is ranked #1563. Clarence is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Clarence?
Clarence is pronounced kl-EHR-uhns.
How popular is the name Clarence?
Clarence is currently ranked #71545 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clarence?
Common nicknames for Clarence include Clare, Clary, and Ren.
What are good middle names for Clarence?
Popular middle name pairings include Clarence Rose, Clarence Mae, Clarence Elise, Clarence Ann, Clarence Grace, and Clarence Belle.
What are good sibling names for Clarence?
Names that pair well with Clarence as siblings include Florence, Constance, Lawrence, Bernard, Harriet, and Millicent.
How many syllables does Clarence have?
Clarence has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Clarence a common or rare name?
Clarence is an uncommon name, ranked #71545 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Clarence?
About the Name Clarence
Clarence is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "bright, clear, famous" in Latin .
Is Clarence a boy or girl name? Clarence is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #71,545 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,563. Clarence is more commonly used as a boy name.
Clarence is currently ranked #71,545 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Clarence has 3 syllables and is pronounced kl-EHR-uhns, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Clarence include Clare, Clary, and Ren. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Clarence include Clara, Clare, Clarissa, Clarke, Clarice . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis