Clarence is a name of Latin origin that means "bright" or "clear". It was originally a surname derived from the Middle English word "clarens", which referred to someone who was fair-haired or bright-eyed. Over time, Clarence evolved into a given name and has been used as such since the medieval period.
The name Clarence gained popularity in England during the reign of King Edward III (1327-1377), who had a younger brother named John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. John's son by his third wife was named Henry of Bolingbroke, later King Henry IV of England. One of Henry's sons was called Clarence, and it is believed that this usage contributed to the name's spread as a given name.
Clarence has also been associated with several notable historical figures, including Clarence of Ghent, who was a key figure in the Wars of the Roses in fifteenth-century England. Additionally, the name gained further popularity in the United States after the American Civil War, likely due to the influence of literary works such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade" and Rudyard Kipling's story "Kim".
Today, Clarence is a name that continues to be used around the world. While it may not be as common as some other names, it remains a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique name with a rich history.
In summary, Clarence is a Latin-derived name meaning "bright" or "clear". It originated as a surname in medieval England before becoming a given name, gaining popularity during the reign of King Edward III. Throughout history, several notable figures have carried this name, contributing to its enduring recognition. Despite not being one of the most popular names today, Clarence remains a unique and meaningful choice with a rich historical significance.
The statistics provided show the annual births of the name Clarence in the United States from 1902 to 1971. During this period, there were a total of 914 babies named Clarence born.
The name's popularity varied throughout these years. In the early decades, the number of babies named Clarence ranged from a low of 5 births in certain years (such as 1962 and 1971) to a high of 34 births in 1928.
Interestingly, there was a noticeable peak in popularity during the late 1920s and early 1930s, with the highest number of births occurring in 1925 (33 births), followed by another peak in 1945 (22 births). After these peaks, the popularity of the name gradually decreased.
However, it is important to note that these statistics are quite old and do not reflect current trends. It would be interesting to see how the popularity of the name Clarence has evolved from the late 20th century until now.