Clary

♀ Girl

Pronounced KLAIR-ee /ˈklɛr.i/High

Meaning: A pet form of Clarissa/Clara — from Latin clarus, 'bright; clear; famous'; also the name of an aromatic herb (clary sage); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Bright; clear: Clary is a pet form of Clarissa/Clara. Crisp, warm, and homey.

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Origin LowLatin

MeaningA pet form of Clarissa/Clara — from Latin clarus, 'bright; clear; famous'; also the name of an aromatic herb (clary sage); routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#13566 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 308

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Clary is a pet form of Clarissa/Clara — from Latin clarus, 'bright; clear; famous'; it is also the name of an aromatic herb, clary sage (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, homey name (made known by Clary Fray in The Mortal Instruments; said 'KLAIR-ee').

In the U.S. it appears as a nickname-name. Rare, bright-and-clear at the root, and homey.

Did you know? Clara/Clarissa comes from Latin clarus, 'bright; clear; famous' — Clary is a pet form (also the name of the herb clary sage), crisp and homey (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'KLAIR-ee').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Clarissa — routes layered

Variations

ClarieClaraClarissa

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Clary…

Clara— a name it shortens

Clarissa— a name it shortens

Clarice— a fellow Clar- girls' name

Mary— a sound-neighbor -ary girls' name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Clary mean?

Clary is a pet form of Clarissa/Clara — Latin 'bright; clear'; also a herb (clary sage); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Clary?

It's said KLAIR-ee /ˈklɛr.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Clary a boy or girl name?

Clary is a girl's name.

How popular is Clary?

Clary is a rare name in the U.S.