"mercy, clemency"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Clemence
Pronunciation: [ kl-EHM-uhns ]
Does Clemence flow with your last name?
A French classic meaning 'mercy' — timeless and quietly chic
French
English
German
Belgian
Vintage
Elegant
Sophisticated
Literary
Classic
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"gentle, mild"
Origin: Latin
Language: French
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The Story of Clemence
Clemence is the French form of the Latin name Clementia, meaning 'mercy' and 'gentleness.' The Latin root 'clemens' referred to the quality of showing compassion and leniency — a virtue highly prized by Roman emperors and philosophers. The name was popularized in medieval Europe through the cult of Saint Clement, the fourth Pope of Rome, and through Clemence of Hungary, Queen of France in the 14th century.
Clemence has remained fashionable in France throughout the centuries, enjoying a notable revival in the 2000s when French parents began revisiting Victorian-era names with an elegant ring. The name is currently trending upward in France, Belgium, and among Francophile parents internationally.
In French culture, Clemence carries an air of old-fashioned gentility and intellectual sophistication. It was a common name among French nobility and is still associated with a classic Parisian aesthetic. Saint Clementine (a variant) is venerated in Catholic tradition.
Historical Record
Clemence first appeared in US Social Security records in 1994.
Over 114 babies have been named Clemence in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clemence is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #71,179 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Clementia was the Roman goddess of mercy and was depicted on Roman coins
- Clemence of Hungary was Queen of France (1315-1322) as wife of Louis X
- The name shares its root with the word 'clemency' — the act of showing mercy or leniency
Clemence in Other Languages
Latin
Clementia
French
Clemence
German
Klemenz
English
Clemency
Italian
Clemenza
Spanish
Clemencia
Popularity Over Time
#71,179
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Clemence
C
Clemence Poesy
Actor
1982
French actress known for Fleur Delacour in Harry Potter and the role in In Bruges
C
Clemence of Hungary
Royalty
Queen of France as wife of King Louis X, known for her piety and beauty in the 14th century
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #71,179
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- French English German Belgian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Clem
Clemy
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 2-1 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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
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
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clemence
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Clemence is also used as a boy name, ranked #15139.
View Clemence as a boy name →Similar Names
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Latin lucidus origin
"luminous, shining (via Lucinda)"
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Old Norse influence origin
"warrior, brave man"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clemence
What does the name Clemence mean?
"mercy, clemency" (from Latin). "gentle, mild" (from Latin). Clemence is the French form of the Latin name Clementia, meaning 'mercy' and 'gentleness.' The Latin root 'clemens' referred to the quality of showing compassion and leniency — a virtue highly prized by Roman emperors and philosophers. The name was popularized in medieval Europe through the cult of Saint Clement, the fourth Pope of Rome, and through Clemence of Hungary, Queen of France in the 14th century.
What is the origin of the name Clemence?
Clemence has Latin, French, English, German, and Belgian origins. In Latin, it means "mercy, clemency". In Latin, it means "gentle, mild".
Is Clemence a boy or girl name?
Clemence is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #71179. As a boy name, it is ranked #15139. Clemence is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Clemence?
Clemence is pronounced kl-EHM-uhns.
How popular is the name Clemence?
Clemence is currently ranked #71179 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clemence?
Common nicknames for Clemence include Clem and Clemy.
What are good middle names for Clemence?
Popular middle name pairings include Clemence Rose, Clemence Marie, Clemence Louise, Clemence Adele, Clemence Josephine, and Clemence Eve.
What are good sibling names for Clemence?
Names that pair well with Clemence as siblings include Celestine, Vivienne, Mathilde, Hugo, Gaspard, and Anatole.
How many syllables does Clemence have?
Clemence has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Clemence a common or rare name?
Clemence is an uncommon name, ranked #71179 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Clemence?
Are there other spellings for Clemence?
Related spellings include Clementine.
About the Name Clemence
Clemence is a girl name with French, English, German, and Belgian origins . The name means "mercy, clemency" in Latin .
Is Clemence a boy or girl name? Clemence is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #71,179 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #15,139. Clemence is more commonly used as a boy name.
Clemence is currently ranked #71,179 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Clemence has 2 syllables and is pronounced kl-EHM-uhns, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Clemence include Clem and Clemy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Clemence include Clementine . 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