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.
The name Clare experienced fluctuations in popularity over the course of its recorded history, with a notable rise in usage towards the end of the 19th century and a peak in the early 20th century. From around 1880 to 1920, there was a steady increase in births registered under the name Clare, reaching a high point between 1913 and 1917 with numbers ranging from 50 to 88 births per year. However, after this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily until it reached its lowest point in recent years, with only single-digit numbers of births registered annually since the late 1960s. In total, over the period covered by these statistics (from approximately 1880 to 2000), there were a total of 3053 births registered under the name Clare.