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Clementine

♀ Girl

Pronounced KLEM-en-tyn /ˈklɛm.ən.taɪn/High

Meaning: French feminine form of Clement, from Latin 'clemens' meaning mild, gentle, or merciful; used as a given name since the medieval periodHigh

In 30 seconds: Clementine is a beautiful French name meaning 'gentle and merciful,' carrying the warmth of the citrus fruit, the charm of a 19th-century folk song, and the elegance of a vintage classic making a fresh comeback.
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Origin HighLatin, French
MeaningFrench feminine form of Clement, from Latin 'clemens' meaning mild, gentle, or merciful; used as a given name since the medieval period
U.S. rank (2025)#456 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births676 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 13,669

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518802025

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

History & Origin

Clementine is the French feminine form of Clement, from Latin clemens (mild, gentle, merciful). The masculine Clement was borne by fourteen popes and several saints, and the feminine Clementine developed in France during the medieval period. The name combines virtue with beauty in a way characteristic of the best Latin-derived names.

Clementine was popular in the 19th century, partly through the folk song and partly through natural naming fashion. It fell from use in the 20th century but has staged a spirited revival in the 21st century in both France and English-speaking countries, valued for its vintage charm, four-syllable elegance, and the delightful nickname Clemmie.

Did you know? The folk song Oh My Darling, Clementine (1884) turned this name into an American cultural touchstone — and the clementine orange, believed to be named after a French monk named Clément, adds a sweet, fragrant association that no other name quite matches.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Clementine — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ClemencyClemenceClem

Nicknames

ClemmieClemTinaClemi

Famous Bearers

  • ★Clementine Churchill (1885–1977)
    Wife of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill

If you like Clementine…

Genevieve— shares the French vintage elegance and four-syllable romantic quality
Josephine— another French four-syllable revival name with the same antique charm
Madeleine— shares the French classic pedigree and the three/four-syllable sweep
Persephone— equally long and mythological with the same vintage-revival appeal

Frequently Asked

What does Clementine mean?

Clementine means mild, gentle, or merciful, from the French feminine form of the Latin name Clement (clemens).

How do you pronounce Clementine?

Clementine is pronounced KLEM-en-tyn /ˈklɛm.ən.taɪn/ — four syllables with stress on the first.

Is Clementine a vintage name?

Yes. Clementine was popular in the 19th century, fell from fashion mid-20th century, and has been warmly revived in the 21st century for its elegant, vintage charm.

Is Clementine related to the fruit?

The clementine orange is believed to be named after a French monk named Frère Clément, who cultivated it — sharing the same Latin root as the given name, giving the fruit and name a sweet connection.