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Claire Girl

Popularity: #67 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationklair / /klɛər/

Latin; French

Meaning

Latin: clear; French: bright

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Claire originates from the Latin word "clarus," meaning "clear" or "bright." This Latin term evolved into the Old French "claire," which retained the meaning of brightness or clarity. The name entered the English language during the Middle Ages, particularly after the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Norman names and terms were adopted into English vernacular. The transition from Latin to Old French to English illustrates the linguistic evolution influenced by historical events and cultural exchanges in Europe.

Historically, the name Claire has been associated with several notable figures, including Saint Claire of Assisi, who founded the Order of Poor Ladies in the 13th century. Her canonization in 1255 contributed to the name's religious significance, particularly in Christian contexts. The name also appears in various literary works, with its use in medieval texts and later in the works of authors during the Renaissance, which helped to solidify its presence in European culture.

Culturally, the name Claire has been associated with qualities such as purity and clarity, often symbolizing enlightenment and wisdom. This association has allowed the name to endure through centuries, as it resonates with various virtues admired in different cultures. The diminutive form "Clara" has also been historically relevant, particularly in the context of classical music, as seen in the works of composers like Clara Schumann. Overall, the name Claire reflects a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage and cultural significance that has evolved over time.

Trend Summary

Claire has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the United States, experiencing a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Clara
  • Clarice
  • Clare

International Variants

  • Clara (Spanish)
  • Chiara (Italian)
  • Klara (German)

Famous people named Claire

Claire Danes is an actress best known for My So-Called Life, Romeo + Juliet, and Homeland.

Claire Foy is an actress best known for The Crown, Wolf Hall, and First Man.

Claire Rushbrook is an actress best known for Secrets & Lies, The Old Guard, and The Fall.

Claire Coffee is an actress best known for Grimm, The Magicians, and The Catch.

Claire Holt is an actress best known for The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and H2O: Just Add Water.

Claire Forlani is an actress best known for Meet Joe Black, Mallrats, and The Medallion.

Claire Keim is an actress and singer best known for Les hommes de l'ombre, La vérité si je mens!, and Le temps est assassin.

Claire Sweeney is an actress and singer best known for Brookside, Celebrity Big Brother, and The Big Reunion.

Fictional characters named Claire

Claire Dearing is a fictional character from the film series Jurassic World. She is the operations manager of Jurassic World and plays a crucial role in the events surrounding the park's dinosaur attractions.

Claire Underwood is a fictional character from the TV series House of Cards. She is a powerful political figure and the wife of the main character, Frank Underwood, known for her ambition and ruthlessness.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Claire was first seen in the United States in 1880. Claire has ranked as high as #112 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Massachusetts. In the past 5 years the name Claire has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Claire (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 316
10%
TX 278
9%
NY 169
5%
FL 165
5%
OH 160
5%
PA 151
5%
IL 130
4%
NC 127
4%
NJ 99
3%
VA 96
3%
MA 96
3%
UT 91
3%
GA 87
3%
IN 86
3%
MO 80
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188021
188123
188230
188338
188433
188549
188661
188758
188873
188962
189072
189184
189286
189392
189496
1895118
1896106
1897105
1898133
1899121
1900156
1901122
1902156
1903164
1904163
1905184
1906213
1907206
1908235
1909259
1910274
1911333
1912440
1913490
1914570
1915809
1916838
1917926
19181,072
1919953
19201,019
19211,210
19221,339
19231,392
19241,583
19251,503
19261,679
19271,836
19281,734
19291,699
19301,654
19311,627
19321,506
19331,372
19341,309
19351,124
19361,083
1937959
19381,074
1939931
1940950
1941953
19421,027
19431,001
19441,006
1945916
19461,115
19471,180
19481,023
19491,090
19501,038
19511,061
19521,078
19531,090
19541,031
1955993
1956985
19571,030
1958962
1959995
1960899
1961811
1962807
1963676
1964607
1965526
1966499
1967389
1968353
1969378
1970341
1971297
1972274
1973407
1974367
1975388
1976377
1977472
1978481
1979541
1980567
1981680
1982815
1983857
1984979
19851,188
19861,307
19871,335
19881,446
19891,671
19901,854
19911,819
19921,949
19931,897
19942,175
19952,474
19962,741
19973,039
19983,642
19993,734
20003,711
20013,642
20023,405
20033,571
20043,333
20053,293
20064,013
20074,612
20084,601
20094,825
20104,916
20114,900
20124,944
20134,660
20145,015
20154,837
20165,216
20174,702
20184,405
20194,130
20203,837
20213,703
20223,380
20233,199
20243,329