Clare
Clare: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /klɛə/ · /klɛɚ/
Meaning and origin of Clare
Root meaning: “bright, shining, clear”
- A unisex given name from Latin, more often spelled Claire from the 20th century onward.
- A male given name transferred from the surname, of quite uncommon usage.
Etymology
Medieval English vernacular form of Clara, from the Latin clara, feminine of clarus (“bright, shining, clear”), a post-classical name made famous by the 13th century Saint Clara of Assisi. In Oxfordshire, from Clarora, a clay slope.
How popular is Clare?
Since 1880, 31,456 girls and 3,054 boys in the U.S. have been named Clare (91% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #320 in 1884. Its highest rank for boys was #464 in 1893. In 2025 it ranked #924 for girls, with 283 babies given the name.
Names similar to Clare
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Latin girl names
Sibling name ideas for Clare
Sister and brother names that share Clare's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Clare FAQ
What does the name Clare mean?
Clare traces back to a root meaning "bright, shining, clear". A unisex given name from Latin, more often spelled Claire from the 20th century onward. A male given name transferred from the surname, of quite uncommon usage. Medieval English vernacular form of Clara, from the Latin clara, feminine of clarus (“bright, shining, clear”), a post-classical name made famous by the 13th century Saint Clara of Assisi. In Oxfordshire, from Clarora, a clay slope.
What is the origin of the name Clare?
Clare is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Clare?
Since 1880, 31,456 girls and 3,054 boys in the U.S. have been named Clare (91% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #320 in 1884. Its highest rank for boys was #464 in 1893. In 2025 it ranked #924 for girls, with 283 babies given the name.
Is Clare a boy or girl name?
Clare is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 31,456 girls and 3,054 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.