Claire Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Claire Name Meaning

Fact: Famous Claires include actress Claire Danes, known for her role in the TV series Homeland, and Claire Foy, who starred as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown

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A Deep Dive

Claire Overview

Meaning

Clear, bright

Gender

Girl, Gender-neutral

Origin

French

Etymology

Claire is of French origin. It comes from the French word “clair,” which means “clear” or “bright.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/klɛər/

Popularity

Popular in French-speaking countries and has also been widely adopted in English-speaking cultures.

Ranked 66th most popular name in USA in 2022.

Syllable

1 syllable

Length

6 letters

Numerology

3 (Expressive, Social, Artistic)

Name Styles

Classic, Popular, Cute

Associated Traits

Intelligent, graceful, and confident

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

St. Clare of Assisi, founder of the Order of Poor Clares, is a significant religious figure associated with this name.

Name Day

August 11st
A Deep Dive

Claire Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Clara, Clarissa, Clarice, Chiara, Klara, Claira, Clairette, Clarette

Common Nicknames

Clairy, Cee, Claire Bear, Coco, Clare, Ree, Clai, Clai-Clai

Diminutives

Clary, Cla, Clari

Famous People

  • Claire Danes
    (American Actress)
  • Claire Foy
    (British Actress)
  • Claire Holt
    (Australian Actress)
  • Claire McCaskill
    (American Politician)
  • Claire Trevor
    (American Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Claire Underwood
    ("House of Cards," TV Series)
  • Claire Bennet
    ("Heroes," TV Series)
  • Claire Dunphy
    ("Modern Family," TV Series)
  • Claire Redfield
    ("Resident Evil," Video Game Series)
  • Claire Beauchamp
    ("Outlander," TV Series)

Places

  • Eau Claire City
    (Wisconsin, USA)
  • Pointe-Claire Municipality
    (Quebec, Canada)
  • Claire City
    (South Dakota, USA)
  • Sainte-Claire Village
    (Quebec, Canada)

What Is the Meaning of Claire?

The meaning of Claire is “clear” or “bright.” This name reflects qualities of clarity and brightness.

What Is the Origin of The Name Claire?

Claire is of French origin. It comes from the French word “clair,” which means “clear” or “bright.”

Claire Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Claire in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#592021#662022#672023
Top 3 Rankings#402016#442014#452012

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Claire

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202367
(-1 from 2022)
3195
(-184 from 2022)
0.18265
202266
(-7 from 2021)
3379
(-323 from 2021)
0.18845
202159
(-1 from 2020)
3702
(-133 from 2020)
0.20663
202058
(-3 from 2019)
3835
(-295 from 2019)
0.21695
201955
(-6 from 2018)
4130
(-274 from 2018)
0.22508
201849
No change from 2017
4404
(-297 from 2017)
0.23682
201749
(-9 from 2016)
4701
(-515 from 2016)
0.24884
201640
(+9 from 2015)
5216
(+380 from 2015)
0.26944
201549
(-5 from 2014)
4836
(-179 from 2014)
0.24789
201444
(+6 from 2013)
5015
(+355 from 2013)
0.25635
201350
(-5 from 2012)
4660
(-284 from 2012)
0.24174
201245
(+5 from 2011)
4944
(+44 from 2011)
0.25492
201150
(+3 from 2010)
4900
(-16 from 2010)
0.25288
201053
No change from 2009
4916
(+91 from 2009)
0.25073
200953
(+9 from 2008)
4825
(+224 from 2008)
0.23826
200862
(+4 from 2007)
4601
(-11 from 2007)
0.22090
200766
(+20 from 2006)
4612
(+599 from 2006)
0.21791
200686
(+9 from 2005)
4013
(+720 from 2005)
0.19196
200595
(+4 from 2004)
3293
(-40 from 2004)
0.16225
200499
(-7 from 2003)
3333
(-238 from 2003)
0.16518
200392
(+3 from 2002)
3571
(+166 from 2002)
0.17798
200295
(-13 from 2001)
3405
(-237 from 2001)
0.17240
200182
(+4 from 2000)
3642
(-69 from 2000)
0.18385
200086
No change from 1999
3711
(-23 from 1999)
0.18595
199986
(+5 from 1998)
3734
(+92 from 1998)
0.19180
199891
(+17 from 1997)
3642
(+603 from 1997)
0.18788
1997108
(+8 from 1996)
3039
(+301 from 1996)
0.15917
1996116
(+13 from 1995)
2738
(+264 from 1995)
0.14281
1995129
(+20 from 1994)
2474
(+299 from 1994)
0.12875
1994149
(+16 from 1993)
2175
(+279 from 1993)
0.11157
1993165
(-7 from 1992)
1896
(-53 from 1992)
0.09617
1992158
(+4 from 1991)
1949
(+130 from 1991)
0.09722
1991162
(-4 from 1990)
1819
(-35 from 1990)
0.08946
1990158
(+13 from 1989)
1854
(+183 from 1989)
0.09025
1989171
(+19 from 1988)
1671
(+225 from 1988)
0.08388
1988190
(+12 from 1987)
1446
(+111 from 1987)
0.07519
1987202
(-4 from 1986)
1335
(+28 from 1986)
0.07123
1986198
(+22 from 1985)
1307
(+119 from 1985)
0.07082
1985220
(+34 from 1984)
1188
(+209 from 1984)
0.06434
1984254
(+21 from 1983)
979
(+122 from 1983)
0.05429
1983275
(+24 from 1982)
857
(+43 from 1982)
0.04789
1982299
(+44 from 1981)
814
(+134 from 1981)
0.04487
1981343
(+59 from 1980)
680
(+113 from 1980)
0.03802
1980402
(-2 from 1979)
567
(+26 from 1979)
0.03184
1979400
(+20 from 1978)
541
(+60 from 1978)
0.03139
1978420
(+10 from 1977)
481
(+9 from 1977)
0.02926
1977430
(+56 from 1976)
472
(+96 from 1976)
0.02869
1976486
(-11 from 1975)
376
(-12 from 1975)
0.02392
1975475
(+8 from 1974)
388
(+21 from 1974)
0.02486
1974483
(-32 from 1973)
367
(-40 from 1973)
0.02343
1973451
(+134 from 1972)
407
(+133 from 1972)
0.02619
1972585
(+2 from 1971)
274
(-23 from 1971)
0.01699
1971587
(-41 from 1970)
297
(-45 from 1970)
0.01695
1970546
(-45 from 1969)
342
(-36 from 1969)
0.01867
1969501
(+14 from 1968)
378
(+25 from 1968)
0.02144
1968515
(-35 from 1967)
353
(-36 from 1967)
0.02065
1967480
(-62 from 1966)
389
(-111 from 1966)
0.02266
1966418
(-15 from 1965)
500
(-25 from 1965)
0.02848
1965403
(-7 from 1964)
525
(-81 from 1964)
0.02873
1964396
(-24 from 1963)
606
(-70 from 1963)
0.03096
1963372
(-44 from 1962)
676
(-131 from 1962)
0.03400
1962328
(+3 from 1961)
807
(-4 from 1961)
0.03981
1961331
(-16 from 1960)
811
(-88 from 1960)
0.03904
1960315
(-31 from 1959)
899
(-96 from 1959)
0.04323
1959284
(+4 from 1958)
995
(+33 from 1958)
0.04787
1958288
(-17 from 1957)
962
(-68 from 1957)
0.04657
1957271
(+6 from 1956)
1030
(+45 from 1956)
0.04909
1956277
(-4 from 1955)
985
(-8 from 1955)
0.04783
1955273
(-15 from 1954)
993
(-38 from 1954)
0.04953
1954258
(-14 from 1953)
1031
(-59 from 1953)
0.05179
1953244
(-3 from 1952)
1090
(+12 from 1952)
0.05649
1952241
(-2 from 1951)
1078
(+17 from 1951)
0.05668
1951239
(-5 from 1950)
1061
(+23 from 1950)
0.05744
1950234
(-8 from 1949)
1038
(-52 from 1949)
0.05903
1949226
(+6 from 1948)
1090
(+67 from 1948)
0.06209
1948232
(-16 from 1947)
1023
(-157 from 1947)
0.05870
1947216
(-4 from 1946)
1180
(+65 from 1946)
0.06491
1946212
(-1 from 1945)
1115
(+199 from 1945)
0.06913
1945211
(-9 from 1944)
916
(-90 from 1944)
0.06805
1944202
(+5 from 1943)
1006
(+4 from 1943)
0.07362
1943207
(-8 from 1942)
1002
(-25 from 1942)
0.06981
1942199
(-3 from 1941)
1027
(+74 from 1941)
0.07386
1941196
(-2 from 1940)
953
(+3 from 1940)
0.07649
1940194
(-5 from 1939)
950
(+19 from 1939)
0.08042
1939189
(-5 from 1938)
931
(-143 from 1938)
0.08209
1938184
(+7 from 1937)
1074
(+115 from 1937)
0.09409
1937191
(-15 from 1936)
959
(-124 from 1936)
0.08704
1936176
(-5 from 1935)
1083
(-41 from 1935)
0.10051
1935171
(-16 from 1934)
1124
(-185 from 1934)
0.10343
1934155
(-11 from 1933)
1309
(-63 from 1933)
0.12094
1933144
(-4 from 1932)
1372
(-135 from 1932)
0.13116
1932140
(-1 from 1931)
1507
(-119 from 1931)
0.13622
1931139
(-3 from 1930)
1626
(-28 from 1930)
0.14732
1930136
(-2 from 1929)
1654
(-45 from 1929)
0.14180
1929134
(+2 from 1928)
1699
(-35 from 1928)
0.14678
1928136
No change from 1927
1734
(-102 from 1927)
0.14504
1927136
(+8 from 1926)
1836
(+157 from 1926)
0.14849
1926144
(+15 from 1925)
1679
(+176 from 1925)
0.13648
1925159
No change from 1924
1503
(-80 from 1924)
0.11899
1924159
(+8 from 1923)
1583
(+191 from 1923)
0.12218
1923167
No change from 1922
1392
(+53 from 1922)
0.11114
1922167
(+15 from 1921)
1339
(+129 from 1921)
0.10733
1921182
(+12 from 1920)
1210
(+191 from 1920)
0.09455
1920194
(+3 from 1919)
1019
(+66 from 1919)
0.08191
1919197
(-11 from 1918)
953
(-119 from 1918)
0.08113
1918186
(+14 from 1917)
1072
(+146 from 1917)
0.08916
1917200
(+8 from 1916)
926
(+88 from 1916)
0.08241
1916208
(-4 from 1915)
838
(+29 from 1915)
0.07718
1915204
(+15 from 1914)
809
(+239 from 1914)
0.07901
1914219
(-7 from 1913)
570
(+80 from 1913)
0.07155
1913212
No change from 1912
490
(+50 from 1912)
0.07482
1912212
(+1 from 1911)
440
(+107 from 1911)
0.07499
1911213
(+20 from 1910)
333
(+59 from 1910)
0.07537
1910233
(-15 from 1909)
274
(+15 from 1909)
0.06531
1909218
(+6 from 1908)
259
(+24 from 1908)
0.07036
1908224
(+6 from 1907)
235
(+29 from 1907)
0.06628
1907230
(-17 from 1906)
206
(-7 from 1906)
0.06105
1906213
(+19 from 1905)
213
(+29 from 1905)
0.06796
1905232
(+11 from 1904)
184
(+21 from 1904)
0.05938
1904243
(-11 from 1903)
163
(-1 from 1903)
0.05574
1903232
(+12 from 1902)
164
(+8 from 1902)
0.05895
1902244
(+21 from 1901)
156
(+34 from 1901)
0.05565
1901265
(-3 from 1900)
122
(-34 from 1900)
0.04799
1900262
(-2 from 1899)
156
(+35 from 1899)
0.04910
1899260
(-2 from 1898)
121
(-12 from 1898)
0.04889
1898258
(+17 from 1897)
133
(+28 from 1897)
0.04851
1897275
(+8 from 1896)
105
(-1 from 1896)
0.04229
1896283
(-24 from 1895)
106
(-12 from 1895)
0.04206
1895259
(+24 from 1894)
118
(+22 from 1894)
0.04775
1894283
(-6 from 1893)
96
(+4 from 1893)
0.04068
1893277
(+15 from 1892)
92
(+6 from 1892)
0.04085
1892292
(-25 from 1891)
86
(+2 from 1891)
0.03824
1891267
(+24 from 1890)
84
(+12 from 1890)
0.04273
1890291
(+16 from 1889)
72
(+10 from 1889)
0.03570
1889307
(-37 from 1888)
62
(-11 from 1888)
0.03277
1888270
(+8 from 1887)
73
(+15 from 1887)
0.03853
1887278
(-13 from 1886)
58
(-3 from 1886)
0.03732
1886265
(+18 from 1885)
61
(+12 from 1885)
0.03968
1885283
(+58 from 1884)
49
(+16 from 1884)
0.03452
1884341
(-54 from 1883)
33
(-5 from 1883)
0.02399
1883287
(+36 from 1882)
38
(+8 from 1882)
0.03165
1882323
(+15 from 1881)
30
(+7 from 1881)
0.02593
1881338
(+14 from 1880)
23
(+2 from 1880)
0.02327
1880352
First SSA data recorded
21
First SSA data recorded
0.02152

American States Popularity Rankings for Claire

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#862021#992022#942023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#802021#792022#902023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#502021#562022#452023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#562021#632022#482023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#702021#1022022#1142023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#702021#722022#692023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#502021#482022#622023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#862021#742022#772023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#362021#452022#542023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#442021#562022#432023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#522021#492022#642023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#512021#552022#712023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#732021#532022#1002023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#442021#752022#572023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#892021#972022#1202023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#532021#542022#752023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#842021#602022#512023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#752021#692022#752023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1122021#1102022#762023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#422021#562022#652023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#762021#642022#822023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#702021#702022#772023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#242021#232022#252023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1252020#652021#472022

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#802021#1132022#1102023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#442021#382022#462023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#572021#972022#792023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#762021#922022#1582023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#372021#472022#812023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#632021#892022#882023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#432021#632022#702023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#962021#902022#1192023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#972021#1072022#732023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#312021#602022#412023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#952021#612022#732023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#512021#482022#712023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#262021#1832022#252023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#822021#892022#1322023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#282021#582022#402023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#382019#252020#932022

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1742021#3332022#1742023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#732020#782022#592023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#752021#872022#562023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#1272021#972022#1182023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#302021#282022#342023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#1532021#1372022#1562023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#562021#1142022#452023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#322021#722022#312023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1012021#602022#942023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#422020#532021#652023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#232020#182021#602023

Popularity Rankings for Claire in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#262013#52014#32015

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#402021#462022#872023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#872020#792021#862022

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#1022020#1042021#862022

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#1902011#1762021#1602022

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#1642009#1862010#1962011

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#1802021#1802022#3672023

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#2662021#3002022#3742023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#2702021#3572022#3392023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#4322017#4462021#3282023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#3502020#3922021#4442022

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#4552015#4492018#4932019

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#5692016#5742018#5072019

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#9152017#8382019#9832021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Claire a Name for Boys or Girls?

Claire is primarily used for girls but can be considered gender-neutral. It has been most commonly associated with girls in many cultures.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Claire

Claire in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Claire Danes (Actress, born 1979): An American actress acclaimed for her role in the TV series "Homeland."
  • Claire Foy (Actress, born 1984): A British actress celebrated for portraying Queen Elizabeth II in "The Crown."
  • Claire Holt (Actress, born 1988): An Australian actress recognized for her roles in "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Originals."
  • Claire McCaskill (Politician, born 1953): A former U.S. Senator from Missouri noted for her work on government accountability.
  • Claire Trevor (Actress, 1910–2000): An American actress who earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "Key Largo."
  • Claire Forlani (Actress, born 1972): A British actress distinguished by her roles in "Meet Joe Black" and "The Rock."
  • Claire Goose (Actress, born 1975): A British actress best known for her roles in "Waking the Dead" and "Casualty."
  • Claire Bloom (Actress, born 1931): An English actress appreciated for her performances in "The King's Speech" and "A Streetcar Named Desire."
  • Claire Coffee (Actress, born 1980): An American actress famous for her role as Adalind Schade in "Grimm."
  • Claire Denis (Director, born 1946): A French film director renowned for her contributions to French cinema, including "Beau Travail."
  • Claire Perry (Politician, born 1964): A British politician recognized for her work on energy policy and rail infrastructure.
  • Claire Richards (Singer, born 1977): An English singer best known as a member of the pop group Steps.
  • Claire Boucher (Musician, born 1988): Known professionally as Grimes, she is a Canadian musician noted for her eclectic music style.
  • Claire Keim (Actress and Singer, born 1975): A French actress and singer celebrated for her roles in French films and television.
  • "Claire Underwood" ("House of Cards," 2013 TV Series): A complex character portrayed by Robin Wright who becomes the first female President of the United States.
  • "Claire Bennet" ("Heroes," 2006 TV Series): A high school cheerleader with regenerative healing abilities, played by Hayden Panettiere.
  • "Claire Dunphy" ("Modern Family," 2009 TV Series): A loving and controlling mother of three, played by Julie Bowen.
  • "Claire Redfield" ("Resident Evil," 1996 Video Game Series): A main character known for her bravery and resourcefulness in fighting zombies and other creatures.
  • "Claire Beauchamp" ("Outlander," 2014 TV Series): A World War II nurse who time travels to 18th-century Scotland, played by Caitriona Balfe.
  • "Claire Littleton" ("Lost," 2004 TV Series): A pregnant survivor of a plane crash, portrayed by Emilie de Ravin.
  • "Claire Fraser" ("Outlander," 1991 Book Series): The protagonist who travels through time, originally written by Diana Gabaldon.
  • "Claire Temple" ("Marvel's Daredevil," 2015 TV Series): A nurse who assists superheroes, played by Rosario Dawson.
  • "Claire Standish" ("The Breakfast Club," 1985 Film): A popular high school student, portrayed by Molly Ringwald.
  • "Claire Simone" ("The Monuments Men," 2014 Film): An art conservator who aids in recovering stolen art during World War II, played by Cate Blanchett.
  • Eau Claire City (Wisconsin, USA): A city distinguished by its university community and annual music festivals.
  • Pointe-Claire Municipality (Quebec, Canada): A suburb known for its historic windmill and lakeside views.
  • Claire City (South Dakota, USA): A small rural community known for its tranquil surroundings.
  • Sainte-Claire Village (Quebec, Canada): Renowned for its leadership in bus manufacturing, particularly by Prevost, and a strong local economy driven by innovation and industry.

Similar Names to Claire

Sibling Names for Claire