Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Clare originates from the Latin word 'clarus', meaning 'clear' or 'bright'. It evolved from Clara in Latin to Clare in Old French and then to Middle English. The name is associated with positive traits such as clarity and brightness. While it has no direct biblical relevance, it gained popularity due to Saint Clare of Assisi in the Middle Ages. Today, Clare is viewed as a classic name with several variants, such as Claire and Clara.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/klɛər/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Clare is derived from the Latin word 'clarus', meaning 'clear' or 'bright'. It is often associated with the Latin word 'Clara', which is the feminine form of Clarus.
Meaning
bright, clear
Language Evolution
Clara (Latin), Clare (Old French), Clare (Middle English)
Historical Usage
The name Clare gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly due to Saint Clare of Assisi, who founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order.
Variants & Derivatives
Claire, Clara, Clarissa
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Clare is perceived as a classic and elegant name, popular in various English-speaking countries.
Famous People
Clare Balding (British broadcaster), Clare Danes (American actress), Clare Boothe Luce (American author and politician)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 512 peak births in 1999
Geographic Spread
Popular across 45 US states, with strongest presence in Massachusetts
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (8 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 8 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 662nd of 7545 | 1,465 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 939th of 6773 | 851 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1610th of 7552 | 448 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4983rd of 10718 | 67 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 16616th of 16616 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 443rd of 9107 | 4,099 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 508th of 9204 | 3,470 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 554th of 12526 | 5,358 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1018th of 19264 | 1,951 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 714th of 27321 | 4,412 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 632nd of 35406 | 7,073 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 818th of 30306 | 4,014 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
25.35% 359th/1416 |
46.19% 637th/1379 |
- |
70.67% 807th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
29.75% 460th/1546 |
54.56% 849th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
32.82% 731st/2227 |
67.94% 1651st/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
58.63% 1722nd/2937 |
- | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
33.12% 469th/1416 |
17.19% 237th/1379 |
40.53% 959th/2366 |
42.29% 483rd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
34.67% 536th/1546 |
17.16% 267th/1556 |
56.86% 1338th/2353 |
38.72% 599th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
25.28% 563rd/2227 |
13.29% 323rd/2430 |
32.14% 917th/2853 |
25.73% 714th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
32.35% 950th/2937 |
18.69% 651st/3483 |
47.70% 1678th/3518 |
32.02% 1295th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
13.49% 497th/3685 |
13.18% 590th/4475 |
19.08% 991st/5194 |
14.03% 886th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
8.84% 405th/4582 |
8.97% 463rd/5164 |
12.53% 916th/7313 |
11.23% 838th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
14.23% 567th/3984 |
13.22% 593rd/4487 |
16.89% 1152nd/6822 |
17.07% 1071st/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Massachusetts across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 662nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 939th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1610th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4983rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16616th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 443rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 508th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 554th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1018th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 714th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 632nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 818th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.