Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Clarence has its origins in Latin, meaning 'bright' or 'clear'. It evolved through various forms, including Clara and Clarens, before becoming popular as Clarence in the 19th century due to its noble associations. The name carries traits of wisdom and dignity, with no direct biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈklær.əns/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Clarence is derived from the Latin name 'Clara', which means 'bright' or 'clear'. It was popularized in the 18th century by the title Duke of Clarence.
Meaning
bright, clear
Language Evolution
Clara, Clarens, Clarence
Historical Usage
The name Clarence became popular in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, due to its association with nobility and literature.
Variants & Derivatives
Clare, Clarence, Clara
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Clarence is viewed as a classic name that has an old-fashioned charm, often associated with wisdom and dignity.
Famous People
Clarence Thomas, Clarence Birdseye, Clarence Carter
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,367 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 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 1 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 | 26th of 7545 | 116,063 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 50th of 6773 | 75,998 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 121st of 7552 | 54,234 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 207th of 10718 | 18,953 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 360th of 16616 | 10,016 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 753rd of 24088 | 4,200 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1245th of 23106 | 1,837 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1265th of 9107 | 653 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1492nd of 9204 | 499 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2677th of 12526 | 342 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4342nd of 19264 | 214 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 11400th of 27321 | 75 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
1.69% 24th/1416 |
3.92% 54th/1379 |
0.76% 18th/2366 |
3.15% 36th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
3.43% 53rd/1546 |
4.88% 76th/1556 |
1.36% 32nd/2353 |
5.62% 87th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
6.38% 142nd/2227 |
5.64% 137th/2430 |
2.77% 79th/2853 |
6.92% 192nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
7.35% 216th/2937 |
6.89% 240th/3483 |
4.24% 149th/3518 |
8.14% 329th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
9.04% 333rd/3685 |
9.01% 403rd/4475 |
5.35% 278th/5194 |
8.39% 530th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
15.54% 712th/4582 |
18.03% 931st/5164 |
8.77% 641st/7313 |
15.45% 1153rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
27.26% 1086th/3984 |
34.79% 1561st/4487 |
17.34% 1183rd/6822 |
28.25% 1773rd/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
88.77% 1257th/1416 |
- |
70.16% 1660th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
82.15% 1270th/1546 |
- |
80.20% 1887th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
85.94% 2452nd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
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 West Virginia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation 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, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male 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 male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 26th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 50th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 121st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 207th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 360th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 753rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1245th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1265th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1492nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2677th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4342nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11400th out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.