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.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Clarence has seen a significant decrease in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the name Clarence was quite popular. Between 1880 and 1912, there were over 350 births with the name Clarence each year, peaking at 4909 births in 1914.
However, from the mid-1920s onwards, the number of babies named Clarence began to decline significantly. Between 1926 and 1937, there were fewer than 4000 births each year with the name Clarence. This trend continued throughout the rest of the century, with fewer than 500 births per year with the name Clarence from the late 1970s onwards.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Clarence has continued to decrease. Between 2008 and 2023, there were fewer than 200 births each year with the name Clarence in the United States.
Overall, while the name Clarence was once quite popular in the United States, it is now relatively uncommon. Despite this decline in popularity, however, it is still a unique and historic name that may appeal to parents looking for something distinctive for their child.