Clarence is a unique and distinguished given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "clarus," which means "clear" or "bright." The name Clarence has a long history dating back to medieval times, when it was used as a surname before evolving into a given name.
In medieval England, Clarence was initially used as an aristocratic surname for those with a clear complexion. However, over time, the name became associated with the House of York in English history. Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York and father of King Edward IV, had two younger brothers named George and Clarence. The latter was famously known for his political ambitions and eventual involvement in the Wars of the Roses.
As a given name, Clarence first gained significant popularity during the Victorian era (1837-1901) when many English-speaking countries were influenced by British culture. It reached its peak popularity in the early 20th century but has since declined somewhat in usage.
Despite its decline in popularity, Clarence remains an appealing and distinctive name choice for parents looking for a timeless, elegant option with a rich historical background. Its meaning of "clear" or "bright" also makes it an attractive choice for those seeking names with positive connotations. While not often used today, Clarence continues to evoke images of nobility, refinement, and strength, reflecting its aristocratic origins and historical significance.
Statistics on the given name Clerance show a varied pattern of popularity over time in the United States. Between 1898 and 2018, there were several periods where the name gained traction among parents.
The earliest recorded births for the name Clerance occurred in 1898 with five babies being named so. However, it wasn't until a decade later that we see another spike in popularity, with six births each year from 1923 to 1926. This period saw a consistent increase in popularity, culminating in ten births recorded for Clerance in 1925.
The next significant peak occurred between 1932 and 1938. During this time, there were several years with nine or more births of girls named Clerance, reaching an all-time high of eleven babies born with this name in 1935. Interestingly, after this peak, popularity decreased significantly over the next few decades, with only five to seven births per year from 1940 onwards.
Overall, between 1898 and 2018, there were a total of 163 babies born named Clerance in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity throughout history, this unique name has managed to maintain some level of presence over generations. It's fascinating to observe how trends in baby naming evolve over time within different cultures and societies.