Clare

♀ Girl

Pronounced KLAIR /klɛər/High

Meaning: From Latin Clara/Clarus meaning bright, clear, famous, or illustrious; Clare is the medieval English form, distinguished from the French Claire by its spellingHigh

In 30 seconds: Clare is the medieval English form of Latin Clara meaning bright and famous, closely associated with Saint Clare of Assisi who co-founded the Poor Clares with Saint Francis, and carrying elegant simplicity in its single syllable.

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Origin HighLatin

MeaningFrom Latin Clara/Clarus meaning bright, clear, famous, or illustrious; Clare is the medieval English form, distinguished from the French Claire by its spelling

U.S. rank (2025)#924 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births283 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1998

Total births (all-time)≈ 31,455

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Clare is the medieval English form of Latin Clara, from clarus meaning bright, clear, luminous, or famous. The name entered the English-speaking world through Saint Clare of Assisi (1194–1253), the Italian noblewoman who abandoned wealth to follow Saint Francis and founded the Order of Poor Ladies (later the Poor Clares) — the first monastic rule written by a woman. Her canonisation in 1255 spread the name across Catholic Europe. Clare (without the e- of Claire) became the characteristic English spelling.

Clare has been used in England since the medieval period and was particularly fashionable in the Victorian era. In the 20th century it was a steady, classic choice rather than a chart-topper. The spelling Clare distinguishes it from the more common French Claire; both forms share identical pronunciation. In the 21st century Clare is appreciated for its quiet elegance and historical depth — an understated alternative to names like Clara and Claire that are currently in stronger fashion. County Clare in Ireland also gives the name a strong Irish geographic connection.

Did you know? Saint Clare of Assisi is the patron saint of television — a connection made in 1958 by Pope Pius XII, who reasoned that when Clare was too ill to attend Mass, she reportedly saw and heard it miraculously on the wall of her room, making her an apt patron for the medium of visual broadcasting.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Clare — Latin etymology and saint history

Variations

ClaireClaraChiara

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Saint Clare of Assisi (1194–1253)
Italian noblewoman who founded the Poor Clares as a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi; she wrote the first monastic rule authored by a woman and is the patron saint of television.

If you like Clare…

Claire— the French form of the same name with identical meaning and pronunciation

Clara— the longer Latin form of the same bright/clear root with comparable elegance

Beatrice— a medieval English and Italian saints name with the same quiet, classic depth

Cecily— medieval English saints name with the same understated, literary character as Clare

Frequently Asked

What does the name Clare mean?

Clare comes from Latin clarus meaning bright, clear, or famous.

How do you pronounce Clare?

It is said KLAIR — one syllable, rhyming with air.

Is Clare the same as Claire?

They are the same name with different spellings; Clare is the medieval English form while Claire is the French form.

Who was Saint Clare?

Saint Clare of Assisi (1194–1253) was an Italian noblewoman who founded the Poor Clares with Saint Francis and wrote the first monastic rule authored by a woman.