Clare is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from "clara" which means "clear" or "bright". It was initially used as a surname in England before becoming popular as a given name during the Middle Ages. Clare has been associated with notable figures such as Saint Clare of Assisi who founded the Order of Poor Clares and devoted her life to poverty and charity. Today, Clare is widely recognized as a female name but it is considered unisex in some cultures. It also appears as the protagonist's name in Emily Brontë's novel "Wuthering Heights". Overall, Clare has strong associations with clarity and brightness, both literally and figuratively, and its historical roots and notable namesakes give it deep meaning and rich heritage.