Maryclare is a unique and elegant given name of Irish origin. It is composed of two elements: "Mairi", which means "sea" in Scottish Gaelic, and "clare", meaning "bright" or "clear". Therefore, the name Maryclare can be interpreted as "bright sea".
The name has a rich history dating back to medieval times when it was used as a diminutive of the Irish name Maire. Over time, it evolved into its current form and gained popularity due to its musical sound and distinctiveness.
In literature, Maryclare is notably associated with the character Mary Clare in George Bernard Shaw's play "Saint Joan". This further contributed to the name's recognition and usage.
Today, Maryclare remains a rare but beautiful choice for parents seeking a distinctive name with a meaningful origin. Its unique combination of Irish roots and positive connotations makes it an appealing option for those looking for something special for their child.
The name Maryclare has been a presence in the United States for over nine decades, with the first recorded birth in 1925 and the most recent in 2023. Over this period, there have been a total of 342 births registered with the name Maryclare.
While it was not particularly popular during its early years, Maryclare saw a significant increase in usage starting from the mid-1990s. The year 1996 marked a notable peak with 14 births, which has since been matched or surpassed several times over the years.
After this initial surge, there were periods of decline and resurgence in popularity for Maryclare. For instance, between 1998 and 2003, the number of babies named Maryclare ranged from a low of 7 births to a high of 14 births. However, since then, it appears that the name has maintained a steady level of popularity, with an average of about 7-9 births per year between 2005 and 2019.
Interestingly, there was a spike in usage again recently, with 11 births recorded in both 2013 and 2023. This suggests that the name Maryclare continues to be relevant and appealing to parents today, nearly a century after it first appeared on U.S. birth records.