Clare is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the word "clara," which means "clear" or "bright." It was originally used as a surname in England before becoming popular as a given name in the Middle Ages.
The name Clare has a rich history and has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Saint Clare of Assisi, born Chiara Offreduccio, who founded the Order of Poor Clares, a religious order for women, in the 13th century. Inspired by the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, she devoted her life to poverty and charity.
Clare has been used as a given name in various countries around the world, including England, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the United States. In some cultures, it is considered a unisex name, although it is more commonly associated with females.
In literature, Clare is also the name of the protagonist in Emily Brontë's novel "Wuthering Heights," adding another layer to its historical significance.
Overall, the name Clare has a strong association with clarity and brightness, both literally and figuratively. Its historical roots and notable namesakes make it a name with deep meaning and rich heritage.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Clare has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1880 to 1920, there was an upward trend in the number of babies named Clare. The first recorded year with more than 10 births was 1913, with 50 births. This number continued to grow steadily, reaching a peak in 1920 with 103 births.
However, from 1921 onwards, there was a consistent decrease in the popularity of the name Clare. By 1964, the number of births had dropped to just 7. There was a slight increase between 1965 and 1970, with numbers ranging from 7 to 10 births per year.
Unfortunately, there is no data provided for the years after 1970 until 1989, when the number of births dropped again to just 5. This trend continued until 1999, with only 5 births each year.
In total, over the span of these years, there were 3053 babies named Clare born in the United States. Despite the fluctuations in popularity, the name Clare has remained a constant presence among American baby names for over a century.