Clarence is a name of English origin that has been used throughout history to denote individuals with notable characteristics and accomplishments. The name Clarence comes from the Latin word "clarus," which means "clear" or "famous." It was also used as a surname, derived from the place-name Clarance in Normandy.
The first recorded use of Clarence as a given name was during the Middle Ages in England. However, it wasn't until the 15th century that Clarence gained popularity due to its association with members of the royal family. The House of Lancaster, which included several kings and nobles named Clarence, helped to establish the name's prominence.
Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the name Clarence include:
* Clarence of Lancaster (1306-1348), who was a member of the English nobility and an ancestor of King Henry VII.
* Clarence of Gloucester (1432-1478), known as "the Good Duke," was a younger brother of King Edward IV. He played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses, but was later imprisoned by his brother's successor, Richard III.
* Clarence of Nassau (1604-1651), a German nobleman who became a prominent figure in the Dutch Revolt against Spain.
While Clarence has been more popular as a given name for males throughout history, it is worth noting that it can also be used for females. Today, Clarence remains a relatively uncommon but distinguished choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child. Its historic significance and connection to notable figures continue to contribute to its enduring appeal.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Clarence has seen a fluctuating trend in its popularity over the years in the United States. The name first began to gain traction around the late 19th century, with seven births recorded in 1880.
Throughout the early 20th century, the name's popularity remained relatively stable, hovering between five and fifteen births per year from 1884 to 1913. However, beginning in 1913, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Clarence, with 22 births recorded that year. This trend continued into the following years, reaching a peak of 46 births in 1919 and 44 births in 1920.
After this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily, dropping to 35 births in 1921 and continuing to fluctuate between the low thirties and forties until 1929. Between 1929 and 1940, the number of babies named Clarence continued to decrease, with a notable drop to just 18 births in 1935.
From 1940 onwards, the name's popularity remained low, with no more than 26 births recorded per year until 1976. After this point, the number of babies named Clarence fluctuated between five and twenty-three births per year until 1987, after which it dropped to single digits, with only nine births in 1984.
In conclusion, while the name Clarence was popular during the early to mid-20th century, its popularity has significantly declined since then. Despite this decline, there have been periods where the name has seen a resurgence in popularity, such as between 1976 and 1987.