Clemence Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KLEM-uhns /ˈklɛm.əns/
Origin: Latin; French
Meaning: Latin: merciful; French: gentle
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Clemence originates from the Latin word "clementia," which translates to "mercy" or "clemency." This Latin term itself derives from the root "clemens," meaning "mild" or "gentle." The transition of the name into English occurred through Old French, where it was adapted as "Clémence" before being introduced into Middle English as "Clemence." The evolution reflects a broader linguistic journey, moving from Latin to French and finally to English, showcasing the influence of Norman culture on the English language following the Norman Conquest of 1066. Historically, the name Clemence has been associated with various notable figures.
One prominent example is Saint Clemence, a third-century pope and martyr, who is venerated in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. His feast day is celebrated on November 23, and he is often depicted as a symbol of steadfast faith and mercy.
The name also appears in medieval texts, where it was borne by several noblewomen and saints, contributing to its recognition in ecclesiastical contexts. The name's presence in the King James Bible, although not directly, resonates with the themes of mercy and forgiveness that are central to Christian teachings.
Culturally, the name Clemence carries connotations of gentleness and compassion, qualities that have historically been valued in various societies. The name has been used in literature and art to evoke themes of mercy and kindness, reinforcing its significance across different eras.
Additionally, the diminutive form "Clem" has been used affectionately in various cultures, although its historical relevance is less pronounced than the full form. Overall, the name Clemence embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance that has allowed it to endure through the centuries.
Famous people named Clemence
In this section, you will find notable people named Clemence. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Clemence who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Clemence who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Clemence Poesy is an actress best known for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, In Bruges, and The Tunnel.
Clemence Michallon is a journalist best known for her work with The Independent and her coverage of various cultural topics.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Clemence, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Clemence. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Clemence was first seen in the United States in 1886.
Clemence has ranked as high as #2135 nationally, which occurred in 1917, and has been most popular in Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
In the past 5 years the name Clemence has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Clemence is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Clemence was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Clemence.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 2022 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 2021 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 2020 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| 2019 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| 2018 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 2017 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 2016 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 2015 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 2014 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 2013 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 2012 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 2009 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 2008 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 2006 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1994 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1962 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1948 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1944 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1941 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1938 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1936 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1935 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 1934 | 15 | 9 | 6 |
| 1933 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| 1932 | 15 | 10 | 5 |
| 1931 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1930 | 18 | 9 | 9 |
| 1929 | 27 | 17 | 10 |
| 1928 | 22 | 16 | 6 |
| 1927 | 26 | 17 | 9 |
| 1926 | 21 | 14 | 7 |
| 1925 | 27 | 16 | 11 |
| 1924 | 22 | 15 | 7 |
| 1923 | 22 | 14 | 8 |
| 1922 | 32 | 23 | 9 |
| 1921 | 34 | 18 | 16 |
| 1920 | 33 | 22 | 11 |
| 1919 | 37 | 20 | 17 |
| 1918 | 35 | 23 | 12 |
| 1917 | 39 | 19 | 20 |
| 1916 | 29 | 18 | 11 |
| 1915 | 37 | 20 | 17 |
| 1914 | 35 | 22 | 13 |
| 1913 | 20 | 9 | 11 |
| 1912 | 17 | 10 | 7 |
| 1911 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| 1910 | 12 | 6 | 6 |
| 1909 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1908 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1907 | 12 | 5 | 7 |
| 1906 | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| 1905 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1904 | 19 | 9 | 10 |
| 1903 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1902 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| 1901 | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| 1900 | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| 1899 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 1898 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 1897 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 1896 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 1895 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 1894 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| 1893 | 12 | 5 | 7 |
| 1892 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1890 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 1888 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1886 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
Top States for Clemence (1928)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| IL | 5 |