"clear, bright, famous"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Clearance
Pronunciation: [ kl-IHR-uhns ]
Does Clearance flow with your last name?
A distinctive variation of Clarence meaning bright and clear
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African American
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"open clearing, approved passage"
Origin: English
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Often confused with Clarence
- May evoke retail 'clearance sale' association
The Story of Clearance
Clearance as a given name appears to be a variant spelling of Clarence, though it also functions as an aspiration name drawing on the English word 'clearance' meaning approved, authorized, or an open clearing. Clarence derives from the Latin 'Clarentia' — from 'clarus' meaning clear, bright, or famous — connecting it to names like Claire and Clara. The -ance ending gives the name a Latinate formal weight.
Clearance is an extremely rare given name found primarily in African American communities where creative spelling variants of traditional names have a rich history. It may represent an intentional variation of Clarence, or a word-name drawing on the concept of clarity and openness.
In African American naming tradition, variant spellings of traditional names (adding or changing letters) are a meaningful creative expression of individuality. Clearance following Clarence parallels variations like Uniqua from Unique. The name also invokes the concept of 'clearance' as being authorized, approved, and ready — qualities parents might hope for a son.
Historical Record
Clearance first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 99 babies have been named Clearance in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clearance is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #12,224 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Clarence Thomas became the second African American Supreme Court Justice in 1991, giving the base name Clarence significant historical weight
- The title 'Duke of Clarence' was held by British royals for centuries, including the future King William IV
Clearance in Other Languages
Latin
Clarentia
English
Clearance
Italian
Clarenzio
Spanish
Clarencio
Popularity Over Time
#12,224
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Clearance
C
Clarence Thomas
Politician
1948
Second African American Justice of the United States Supreme Court, appointed 1991
C
Clarence Darrow
Other
1857
Legendary American defense attorney known for the Scopes Monkey Trial and defending unpopular causes
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Compare Clearance with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #12,224
- Total SSA Count
- 8
- Cultural Origins
- American African American Contemporary
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Clear
Clarence
C
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, unique style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clearance
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Clearance
Phonetic neighbors that share Clearance's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Latin via Remigius origin
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Crowley
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Old English origin
"crow woodland clearing"
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Clanton
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Old English origin
"clay settlement, clay farm"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clearance
What does the name Clearance mean?
"clear, bright, famous" (from Latin). "open clearing, approved passage" (from English). Clearance as a given name appears to be a variant spelling of Clarence, though it also functions as an aspiration name drawing on the English word 'clearance' meaning approved, authorized, or an open clearing. Clarence derives from the Latin 'Clarentia' — from 'clarus' meaning clear, bright, or famous — connecting it to names like Claire and Clara. The -ance ending gives the name a Latinate formal weight.
What is the origin of the name Clearance?
Clearance has Latin, English, American, African American, and Contemporary origins. In Latin, it means "clear, bright, famous". In English, it means "open clearing, approved passage".
Is Clearance a boy or girl name?
Clearance is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Clearance?
Clearance is pronounced kl-IHR-uhns.
How popular is the name Clearance?
Clearance is currently ranked #12224 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clearance?
Common nicknames for Clearance include Clear and Clarence.
What are good middle names for Clearance?
Popular middle name pairings include Clearance James, Clearance Edward, Clearance William, Clearance Thomas, Clearance Lee, Clearance Ray, and Clearance Dale.
What are good sibling names for Clearance?
Names that pair well with Clearance as siblings include Clarence, Lawrence, Florence, Terrance, Patience, Sterling, and Noble.
How many syllables does Clearance have?
Clearance has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Clearance a common or rare name?
Clearance is an uncommon name, ranked #12224 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Clearance
Clearance is a boy name with American, African American, and Contemporary origins . The name means "clear, bright, famous" in Latin .
Clearance is currently ranked #12,224 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Clearance has 3 syllables and is pronounced kl-IHR-uhns, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Clearance include Clear, Clarence, and C. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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