The name Clair is of French origin and means "clear" or "bright." It is derived from the French word "clair," which means "clear" or "luminous." The name Clair has been used historically as a given name, but it can also be used as a surname.
The name Clair has been popular in France for centuries and was often used to indicate someone who was bright or intelligent. It is believed that the name became more widespread during the Middle Ages when it was used by members of the nobility.
Today, Clair is still a popular name in France, but it is less commonly used in other countries. However, it has gained some popularity in English-speaking countries in recent years as parents seek unique and meaningful names for their children.
In literature and popular culture, Clair has been used as a character name in several works. For example, the French poet François Villon wrote a poem called "Clairasures" about a woman named Clair. In more modern times, Clair has been used as a character name in books such as "The Clair Trilogy" by Jennifer Government and "The Clan of the Cave Bear" series by Jean M. Auel.
Overall, Clair is a unique and meaningful name with a rich history dating back centuries. Its French origins give it a certain elegance and sophistication, while its meaning adds depth and significance to those who bear this name.
"The name Clair experienced significant popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a peak of 339 births in both 1919 and 1920. However, its usage has declined drastically over time, dropping to as low as 5 births per year in recent years (2011, 2016, 2020). In total, there have been 12,040 births with the name Clair from 1880 to 2020."