Claire is a feminine given name of French origin. Its meaning is "clear" or "bright," which is derived from the French word "clair." This name has been popular for centuries and has been used in many different cultures, including English-speaking countries.
The use of Claire as a given name can be traced back to the Middle Ages in France. During this time, it was often used as a nickname or diminutive form of names such as Clara, which means "clear" or "bright." In some cases, Claire may have also been used as a variant spelling of Clare, another name with similar meaning.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Claire. One example is French writer and philosopher Voltaire, whose real name was François-Marie Arouet but who was known by his pen name Voltaire, which means "clear" in French. Another famous Claire is the French actress Claire Danes, best known for her roles in films such as Romeo + Juliet and TV series like My So-Called Life.
Today, Claire remains a popular given name around the world. Its simple yet elegant sound has made it a favorite among parents looking for a classic yet modern name for their daughters. The meaning of "clear" or "bright" also makes it an attractive choice for those wanting to give their child a positive and optimistic name. Overall, Claire is a timeless and enduring name that continues to be beloved by many.
The name Claire has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable increase starting around the late 1980s and peaking in the mid-1990s. Between 1996 and 2006, there were consistently over 3000 births named Claire each year, reaching an all-time high of 4013 in 2006. However, since then, its popularity has declined steadily, dropping below 3500 births per year starting from 2017, and hitting a recent low of 3195 in 2023. In total, over the period spanning from 1880 to 2023, there have been 205074 births named Claire.