Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Claude
BoyFrench, Latin· “French form of Claudius, "lame"”
- Meaning
- French form of Claudius, "lame"
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- KLAWD
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #3,044
- US babies 2025
- 40
- Best rank
- #46 (1887)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Claude
Claude is a French and Latin name that means “French form of Claudius, "lame"”.
Claude is the French form of Claudius, a Roman family name traditionally linked to Latin claudus, "lame." Saint Claude, a seventh-century bishop of Besançon, made the name popular in France, where it is used for both men and women. Famous bearers include the painter Claude Monet and the composer Claude Debussy. It is said KLAWD in English and KLOHD in French. Claudius, Claudio and Claudia are related forms. The name has a quiet, cultured sound, and Claudette is a feminine diminutive.
Other spellings with the same sound: Claud.
Popularity over time
Claude 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 114 different years. Its best national rank was #46 in 1887, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 1,893 were named Claude. In 2025, 40 babies were named Claude, and it ranked #3,044 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #92 in 1920, #177 in 1950, #524 in 1980, #1,302 in 2000, #2,332 in 2010, and #3,044 in 2025. Of the 91,337 US boys named Claude since records began, 19% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 12,820 babies. Since 2010, 702 more have been named Claude.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Virgil, Maurice, Homer, Harvey, and Cecil.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Claude ranked highest in Georgia and Texas.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Claude is usually pronounced KLAWD, with one syllable. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-de”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Claud.
Middle names for Claude
A few middle names that flow with Claude: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Claude
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Lists that include Claude
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Claude mean?
Claude is a French and Latin name that means “French form of Claudius, "lame"”.
What is the origin of the name Claude?
Claude has French and Latin roots. Claude is the French form of Claudius, a Roman family name traditionally linked to Latin claudus, "lame." Saint Claude, a seventh-century bishop of Besançon, made the name popular in France, where it is used for both men and women.
Is Claude a popular name?
Not especially. Claude ranked #3,044 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Claude a boy or girl name?
Claude is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Claude?
Claude is usually pronounced KLAWD. 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