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Claire

♀ Girl

Pronounced KLAIR /klɛr/High

Meaning: Bright; clear; illustriousHigh

In 30 seconds: An elegant French classic meaning 'bright and clear.' The French spelling of Clare, it has an effortless chic that has kept it a perennial top-100 U.S. favorite.
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Origin HighFrench, Latin
MeaningBright; clear; illustrious
Peak year2016
Total births (all-time)≈ 182,353

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201618802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Claire is the French form of the Latin Clara, from clarus, meaning 'clear, bright, or famous.' The name spread throughout Europe through devotion to Saint Clare of Assisi in the 13th century.

The French spelling Claire became the preferred form in the English-speaking world from the 20th century onward, distinguishing it from the plainer Clare. It has been a steady presence in the U.S. top 100 girls' names since the 1990s.

Did you know? Saint Clare of Assisi (1194–1253) founded the Order of Poor Ladies — now the Poor Clares — alongside Saint Francis of Assisi.

Variations

ClareClaraChiaraKlara

Nicknames

Clairey

Famous Bearers

  • ★Clare of Assisi (1194–1253)
    Italian saint who founded the Order of Poor Ladies alongside St Francis of Assisi.
  • ★Claire Danes (1979–)
    American actress known for My So-Called Life and Homeland.

If you like Claire…

Grace— same one or two syllable crisp elegance with a virtue feel
Eleanor— shares the refined classic femininity and French-English heritage
Charlotte— French-origin royal classic with the same timeless poise
Audrey— another single-concept elegant classic with a vintage feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Claire mean?

Claire is the French form of the Latin Clara, meaning 'bright,' 'clear,' or 'illustrious.'

How do you pronounce Claire?

It is said KLAIR /klɛr/ — one syllable.

Is Claire a boy or girl name?

Claire is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Claire?

Claire has been a top-100 U.S. girls' name since the 1990s and remains consistently popular.