Clarence is a name of English origin, derived from the Latin word "clarus," which means "clear" or "famous." It has been used as a given name for centuries and was popular among European nobility during the Middle Ages.
The name Clarence first appeared in England in the late 11th century when it was brought over by Norman settlers. It was originally used as a surname before being adopted as a given name in the 17th century. The most famous historical figure to bear the name Clarence is Prince Clarence of the United Kingdom, who later became King William IV.
Throughout history, people named Clarence have been known for their intelligence and determination, often achieving great success in fields such as politics, literature, and science. However, it is important to note that having a unique name does not necessarily dictate one's personality or future accomplishments.
In popular culture, the name Clarence has been used in various films, television shows, books, and songs, further cementing its place in history and pop culture. Despite its rich history, Clarence remains an uncommon name today, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Clarence experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. In its peak around 1915-1921, there were over 7000 births each year. However, it gradually declined and by the late 1960s, it fell below 2000 births per year. From the 1980s onwards, the name Clarence became quite rare, with fewer than 300 babies named Clarence in most years. Interestingly, there was a brief resurgence in popularity around the mid-2000s, but it has since declined again, with only around 100-200 births per year in recent times. In total, over the period from 1880 to 2023, there were approximately 303,329 babies named Clarence.