"bright, clear, famous"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Clarence
Pronunciation: [ kl-EHR-uhns ]
Boy Name
#1,563 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A Victorian aristocratic name meaning clear and bright
English
American
Vintage
Classic
Sophisticated
Traditional
Formal
Meaning & Origin
"from Clare (Suffolk)"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
The Story of Clarence
Clarence derives from the Latin 'Clarentia,' the feminine form of 'Clarentius,' which was a title given to the English Dukes of Clarence — a title created in the 14th century from Clare in Suffolk. The name ultimately traces to the Latin 'clarus' meaning clear, bright, or famous. It entered common use as a given name in the Victorian era following aristocratic associations.
Clarence was a top-20 American name from the 1880s through the 1920s. Its decline coincided with It's a Wonderful Life's gentle guardian angel Clarence, which though charming, made the name feel soft to mid-century parents seeking stronger choices. It never fully recovered as naming tastes shifted to shorter, snappier options.
The title Duke of Clarence was famously held by the eldest sons of British monarchs, and the name carries a distinctly aristocratic English flavor. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas brought renewed visibility to the name in the 1990s.
Fun Facts
- Clarence was a top-10 US name in 1890 — it's now extremely rare, making it a strong choice for parents who love vintage names
- The angel Clarence in It's a Wonderful Life is one of cinema's most beloved characters with this name
Clarence in Other Languages
French
Clarence
German
Clarence
Italian
Clarenso
Spanish
Clarence
Famous People Named Clarence
C
Clarence Thomas
Politician
1948
Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, the second African American to serve on the Court
C
Clarence Darrow
Other
1857
Legendary American defense attorney known for the Scopes 'Monkey' Trial and Leopold and Loeb case
C
Clarence Oddbody Fictional
Other
The lovable guardian angel in Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,563
- Total SSA Count
- 111
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Clare
Clary
Pairs Well With
Clarence James
Clarence Thomas
Clarence Edward
Clarence Arthur
Clarence William
Clarence Henry
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Clarence is also used as a girl name, ranked #71545.
View Clarence as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clarence
What does the name Clarence mean?
"bright, clear, famous" (from Latin). "from Clare (Suffolk)" (from Old English). Clarence derives from the Latin 'Clarentia,' the feminine form of 'Clarentius,' which was a title given to the English Dukes of Clarence — a title created in the 14th century from Clare in Suffolk. The name ultimately traces to the Latin 'clarus' meaning clear, bright, or famous. It entered common use as a given name in the Victorian era following aristocratic associations.
What is the origin of the name Clarence?
Clarence has Latin, Old English, English, and American origins. In Latin, it means "bright, clear, famous". In Old English, it means "from Clare (Suffolk)".
Is Clarence a boy or girl name?
Clarence is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1563. As a girl name, it is ranked #71545. 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 #1563 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clarence?
Common nicknames for Clarence include Clare and Clary.
What are good middle names for Clarence?
Popular middle name pairings include Clarence James, Clarence Thomas, Clarence Edward, Clarence Arthur, Clarence William, and Clarence Henry.
What are good sibling names for Clarence?
Names that pair well with Clarence as siblings include Harold, Eleanor, Beatrice, Herbert, Florence, Edwin, and Mabel.
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 #1563 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Clarence
Clarence is a boy 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 boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,563 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #71,545. Clarence is more commonly used as a boy name.
Clarence is currently ranked #1,563 in popularity for boy 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 and Clary. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Clarence include Clark, Clarke . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.