Clarence

boyEnglish

Clarence is an boy name of English, from Latin origin, meaning “Of Clare (a place name)”.

MeaningOf Clare (a place name)
GenderBoy
OriginEnglish, from Latin
PronunciationKLAIR-uns
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Clarence

Clarence comes from the title Duke of Clarence, created in 1362 for Lionel, a son of Edward III, whose lands included Clare in Suffolk. The Latin title Clarensis meant 'of Clare', and it later turned into a given name in the nineteenth century. It is often linked to the Latin clarus, bright, though the real source is the place name. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is a modern bearer.

Is Clarence a religious name?

Clarence has no specific religious background; it is an aristocratic title that became a given name.

How popular is Clarence?

Popular in the early twentieth century; now uncommon for babies.

Gifts with the name Clarence

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Spellings and variants of Clarence

Clarenz

Names similar to Clarence

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Clarence mean?

Clarence means 'Of Clare (a place name)'. It is of English, from Latin origin.

Does Clarence have a religious meaning?

Clarence has no specific religious background; it is an aristocratic title that became a given name.

How do you pronounce Clarence?

Clarence is pronounced KLAIR-uns.

Is Clarence a boy or girl name?

Clarence is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.