"bright, clear, famous"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Clarice
Pronunciation: [ kl-er-EES ]
Does Clarice flow with your last name?
A luminous vintage French name with literary flair
French
English
Italian
American
Vintage
Elegant
Literary
Classic
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Clarice
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"illustrious, renowned"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Clarice Starling from Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Story of Clarice
Clarice is a French and Latin name derived from Clara, which comes from the Latin clarus meaning bright, clear, or famous. The name was common in medieval Europe through Saint Clare of Assisi, who founded the Order of Poor Ladies. Clarice is an elegant French-influenced elaboration of the classic Clara.
Clarice was a popular name in the early 20th century. It gained renewed cultural attention through Clarice Starling, the FBI trainee protagonist of Thomas Harris's novel The Silence of the Lambs (1988) and the Oscar-winning film (1991) starring Jodie Foster. This association is both a distinction and something parents may consider.
In Italian literature, Clarice appears in various forms. The name is also associated with Clarice Lispector, the celebrated Brazilian novelist considered one of the greatest Latin American writers of the 20th century.
Historical Record
Clarice first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 7,161 babies have been named Clarice in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clarice is past its peak , currently ranked #2,809 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Clarice Starling is one of cinema's most iconic female heroes from The Silence of the Lambs
- Brazilian literary giant Clarice Lispector is considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century
Clarice in Other Languages
Latin
Claritia
French
Clarice
Italian
Clarissa
Spanish
Clarisa
Portuguese
Clarice
Popularity Over Time
#2,809
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1952
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Clarice
C
Clarice Lispector
Writer
1920
Brazilian novelist and short story writer, considered one of Latin America's greatest literary figures
C
Clarice Starling Fictional
Other
Fictional FBI agent protagonist of The Silence of the Lambs, played by Jodie Foster
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,809
- Total SSA Count
- 60
- Cultural Origins
- French English Italian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Clari
Clare
Rici
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clarice
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Clarice is also used as a boy name, ranked #10768.
View Clarice as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clarice
What does the name Clarice mean?
"bright, clear, famous" (from Latin). "illustrious, renowned" (from Latin). Clarice is a French and Latin name derived from Clara, which comes from the Latin clarus meaning bright, clear, or famous. The name was common in medieval Europe through Saint Clare of Assisi, who founded the Order of Poor Ladies. Clarice is an elegant French-influenced elaboration of the classic Clara.
What is the origin of the name Clarice?
Clarice has Latin, French, English, Italian, and American origins. In Latin, it means "bright, clear, famous". In Latin, it means "illustrious, renowned".
Is Clarice a boy or girl name?
Clarice is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2809. As a boy name, it is ranked #10768. Clarice is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Clarice?
Clarice is pronounced kl-er-EES.
How popular is the name Clarice?
Clarice is currently ranked #2809 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clarice?
Common nicknames for Clarice include Clari, Clare, and Rici.
What are good middle names for Clarice?
Popular middle name pairings include Clarice Anne, Clarice Marie, Clarice Elizabeth, Clarice Rose, Clarice Jean, and Clarice Elaine.
What are good sibling names for Clarice?
Names that pair well with Clarice as siblings include Edmund, Frances, Theodore, Vivienne, Oliver, and Helena.
How many syllables does Clarice have?
Clarice has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Clarice a common or rare name?
Clarice is an uncommon name, ranked #2809 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Clarice?
About the Name Clarice
Clarice is a girl name with French, English, Italian, and American origins . The name means "bright, clear, famous" in Latin .
Is Clarice a boy or girl name? Clarice is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,809 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #10,768. Clarice is more commonly used as a girl name.
Clarice is currently ranked #2,809 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Clarice has 2 syllables and is pronounced kl-er-EES, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Clarice include Clari, Clare, and Rici. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Clarice include Clara, Clare, Clarissa, Clarke, Clarity . 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