Claire
Claire is a girl name of French origin meaning “Clear, bright”, pronounced KLAIR. It ranked #68 in the United States in 2025, given to 3,487 babies, and peaked at #40 in 2016. Common nicknames: Clairey, CeCe.
How popular is Claire in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Claire mean, and where does it come from?
Claire is the French form of the Latin name Clara, derived from the adjective "clarus" meaning "clear, bright, or famous." Saint Clare of Assisi, a 13th-century follower of Saint Francis, founded the Order of Poor Ladies and is the patron saint of television. The spelling Claire became dominant in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, though Clara and Clare remain common alternatives. The name carries an understated elegance and has remained consistently popular without ever feeling overused, making it a perennial favorite among parents seeking classic girl names.
How is Claire used around the world?
Claire is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 13+ international variants.
Male FormClair
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Claire?
Famous People Named Claire
- Claire Danes — American actress (Homeland)
- Claire Foy — English actress (The Crown)
- Claire McCaskill — American politician and senator
Similar Names to Claire
If you like Claire, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Claire
Looking for names that pair well with Claire? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Claire mean?
Claire is a girl name of French origin meaning "Clear, bright." Claire is the French form of the Latin name Clara, derived from the adjective "clarus" meaning "clear, bright, or famous." Saint Clare of Assisi, a 13th-century follower of Saint Francis, founded the Order of Poor Ladies and is the patron saint of television.
How do you pronounce Claire?
Claire is pronounced KLAIR. Common variations include Clare, Clara, Chiara.
Is Claire a girl name?
Yes, Claire is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Clairey, CeCe.