Clare

What does Clare mean?

Clare comes from the Latin word clarus, meaning bright or clear. The name carries a simple, luminous idea: clarity, light and openness.

As a given name Clare feels poised and approachable. It suggests someone clear minded and bright, with a classic yet unfussy presence that works well for all ages. In tone it sits comfortably between the formal elegance of Clara and the more modern feel of Claire, giving it a timeless but friendly character.

Historical Context

The name Clare is an English form related to the Latin Clara, itself from clarus, meaning bright or famous. It gained wider visibility in medieval England through Saint Clare of Assisi, a follower of Saint Francis, whose name was often recorded in Latin as Clara. Over time English usage produced forms such as Clare and Claire alongside the original Clara.

In English-speaking countries Clare has alternated between modest popularity and quieter use. The spelling Clare has a slightly older, more traditional feel compared with the French-influenced Claire. In some regions, variants like Klara, Chiara and Clara reflect local spelling traditions, showing how the root idea of clarity travelled across cultures while adapting to local sounds and orthography.

The name also appears in literature and on place signs, reinforcing a sense of steadiness rather than trendiness. That steady presence makes Clare a dependable choice for parents who want a name with historical depth and contemporary ease.

Popularity of Clare over time

In 2025, Clare was given to 283 girls in the US. Clare has declined in usage over the last 20 years, but remains an uncommon girls' name in the US.

What do parents think of Clare?