Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Claire
GirlFrench, Latin· “clear, bright”
- Meaning
- clear, bright
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- KLAIR
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #68
- US babies 2025
- 3,487
- Best rank
- #40 (2016)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Claire
Claire is a French and Latin name that means “clear, bright”.
Claire is the French form of Clara, from the Latin clarus, meaning clear, bright or famous. Saint Clare of Assisi, a close follower of Francis of Assisi who founded the order known as the Poor Clares, spread the name through medieval Europe. English speakers long used the form Clare, while Claire became widespread in the twentieth century. The name is simple and luminous, a single syllable with a polished feel. It works as both a first and middle name and pairs well with longer surnames. Clara and Clarissa are related names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Clare, Clair.
Popularity over time
Claire has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #40 in 2016, the same year it reached its highest count of 5,216 babies. In 2025, 3,487 babies were named Claire, and it ranked #68 nationally. That is 28% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #194 in 1920, #234 in 1950, #403 in 1980, #86 in 2000, #53 in 2010, and #68 in 2025. Of the 211,919 US girls named Claire since records began, 23% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 39,009 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Skylar, Paisley, Audrey, Kennedy, and Genesis.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Claire ranked highest in Utah, Vermont, and Iowa.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #32 | 82 |
| Vermont | #35 | 10 |
| Iowa | #43 | 51 |
| Massachusetts | #44 | 106 |
| Michigan | #48 | 122 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Claire is usually pronounced KLAIR, with one syllable. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-re”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Clare and Clair.
Middle names for Claire
A few middle names that flow with Claire: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Claire
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Lists that include Claire
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Claire mean?
Claire is a French and Latin name that means “clear, bright”.
What is the origin of the name Claire?
Claire has French and Latin roots. Claire is the French form of Clara, from the Latin clarus, meaning clear, bright or famous.
Is Claire a popular name?
Yes. Claire ranked #68 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Claire a boy or girl name?
Claire is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Claire?
Claire is usually pronounced KLAIR. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings