Log in · Sign up

Claude Boy

Popularity: #889 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationklawd / klɔːd

Latin; French

Meaning

Latin: 'lame' or 'enclosure'; French: 'lame'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Claude originates from the Latin name Claudius, which is derived from the Latin verb 'claudere,' meaning 'to close' or 'to shut.' The name Claudius was borne by several notable figures in ancient Rome, including the Roman Emperor Claudius I, who ruled from 41 to 54 CE. The name was later adopted into Old French as 'Claude' during the medieval period, reflecting the influence of Latin on the developing Romance languages. This transition into French occurred around the 9th century, as the vernacular began to diverge from Latin, leading to the establishment of distinct national identities and languages in Europe.

Historically, the name Claude has been associated with various saints, most notably Saint Claude de la Colombière, a 17th-century French priest known for his role in the spread of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His canonization in the 20th century further solidified the name's religious significance. Additionally, Claude has been borne by several French monarchs and nobles, contributing to its prominence in French history. The name appears in various literary works, including those of the Renaissance, which helped to popularize it in the cultural milieu of Europe.

Culturally, the name Claude has been linked to artistic and intellectual pursuits, with notable bearers such as Claude Monet, a leading figure in the Impressionist movement, and Claude Debussy, a pivotal composer in the transition to modern music. The name carries connotations of creativity and sophistication, reflecting the contributions of its historical figures to art and culture. Diminutive forms such as Claudeau have also been used, though less commonly, showcasing the name's adaptability within different linguistic contexts.

Trend Summary

Claude has seen a gradual decline in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Claud
  • Claudio
  • Claudie

International Variants

  • Claudio (Italian)
  • Klaudius (German)
  • Claude (French)

Famous people named Claude

Claude Monet is a painter best known for Impression, Sunrise, Water Lilies, and Woman with a Parasol.

Claude Debussy is a composer best known for Clair de Lune, La Mer, and Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune.

Claude Lévi-Strauss is an anthropologist best known for Tristes Tropiques, The Savage Mind, and Structural Anthropology.

Claude Rains is an actor best known for The Invisible Man, Casablanca, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Claude Shannon is an engineer and mathematician best known for founding information theory and his work on digital circuits.

Claude Chabrol is a film director best known for Les Biches, La Cérémonie, and Le Boucher.

Claude Simon is a novelist best known for The Grass, The Flanders Road, and The Georgics.

Claude Jutra is a filmmaker best known for Mon Oncle Antoine, The Dog Who Stopped the War, and À tout prendre.

Claude Sautet is a film director best known for César and Rosalie, Vincent, François, Paul... and Nelly and Monsieur Arnaud.

Claude McKay is a writer best known for Home to Harlem, Banjo, and The Harlem Renaissance.

Fictional characters named Claude

Claude Frollo is a fictional character from the novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. He is the archdeacon of Notre Dame who becomes obsessed with the gypsy Esmeralda, leading to tragic consequences.

Claude is a fictional character from the video game series Grand Theft Auto. He is the silent protagonist of Grand Theft Auto III, navigating the criminal underworld of Liberty City.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Claude was first seen in the United States in 1880. Claude has ranked as high as #220 nationally, which occurred in 1920, and has been most popular in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Claude has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Claude (2021)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880309
1881302
1882356
1883315
1884353
1885343
1886391
1887375
1888374
1889386
1890347
1891327
1892353
1893394
1894419
1895389
1896398
1897345
1898371
1899293
1900433
1901341
1902336
1903301
1904337
1905399
1906346
1907364
1908428
1909419
1910463
1911466
1912890
19131,076
19141,284
19151,605
19161,733
19171,625
19181,878
19191,772
19201,893
19211,887
19221,806
19231,694
19241,706
19251,696
19261,714
19271,621
19281,533
19291,449
19301,481
19311,296
19321,352
19331,253
19341,264
19351,264
19361,225
19371,138
19381,311
19391,157
19401,194
19411,189
19421,314
19431,364
19441,289
19451,166
19461,306
19471,433
19481,345
19491,220
19501,253
19511,239
19521,144
19531,139
19541,142
19551,084
19561,004
19571,024
1958951
1959852
1960838
1961803
1962701
1963743
1964718
1965603
1966548
1967506
1968530
1969448
1970447
1971422
1972362
1973324
1974319
1975317
1976268
1977255
1978262
1979268
1980268
1981233
1982235
1983184
1984188
1985189
1986177
1987209
1988181
1989170
1990151
1991146
1992142
1993143
1994119
1995113
1996108
199789
199893
199991
200099
200169
200270
200382
200465
200570
200662
200758
200866
200958
201055
201147
201245
201343
201442
201552
201655
201740
201851
201942
202044
202138
202234
202339
202435