Clarence is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It comes from the Latin word "clarus," which means "clear" or "bright." The name Clarence was first used as a surname, referring to someone who lived near a clear stream or had a bright and cheerful disposition.
Over time, Clarence became a popular given name in England, particularly among families with ties to royalty. One of the most notable bearers of this name was King Henry VIII's younger brother, Clarence. He was known for his brave military exploits and played an important role in the Wars of the Roses during the 15th century.
The name Clarence also has a strong association with the American South due to its use among prominent Southern families throughout history. One famous example is Clarence Darrow, the renowned lawyer and civil rights activist who represented the defense in the Scopes Monkey Trial in 1925.
Today, Clarence remains a classic yet distinctive name choice for boys. While it may not be as commonly used as some other names with similar meanings such as Clifford or Clifford, those who bear this name can take pride in its rich history and unique heritage. Whether they are named after the brave military figure, the civil rights activist, or simply have parents who appreciated the meaning of clarity and brightness behind the name, every person named Clarence carries a piece of history with them wherever they go.
Here is an explanatory text about the statistics of the given name Clearence:
The data provided shows the annual births of babies named Clarence in the United States between the years 1897 and 1986.
From 1897 to 1930, the number of births varied significantly from year to year. It started with six births each in 1897 and 1900, then reached a peak of fifty-eight births in 1927. This indicates that during this period, Clarence was quite popular among parents choosing names for their newborns.
However, there was a noticeable decline from the early 1930s onwards. The number of babies named Clarence dropped to below forty births per year between 1931 and 1942, with the exception of 1942 when it rose to forty-five births. This downward trend continued until the mid-1950s.
Between 1955 and 1978, there were fewer than fifteen births per year for babies named Clarence on average. The lowest point was in 1963 with only seven births. However, there was a slight increase again after 1976, reaching six births each in 1978 and 1986.
Overall, over the course of these ninety years, there were a total of 1427 babies named Clarence born in the United States. This data reflects fluctuations in naming trends and can give us insight into popular choices for boys' names during different periods in American history.