All about the name

Chaunice

Female

« Chaunice is a rare and distinctive American female name created by author Charlotte Armstrong for her character Chauncey in 'The Big Clock' novel. »

#30502 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Chaunice is a unique and distinctive female given name of American origin. It was created by the author Charlotte Armstrong for her character Chauncey in her 1946 novel "The Big Clock." The name Chauncey itself is derived from the Old French word "chaunceller," which means "clerk" or "chancellor." Despite its masculine roots, the name Chaunice has been predominantly used as a female given name. It was introduced to popular culture through Armstrong's novel and subsequent film adaptation in 1948. Since then, it has appeared occasionally in baby name lists but remains relatively rare. The name Chaunice does not have an explicit meaning beyond its origins. However, its unique sound and spelling often make it appealing to parents looking for something different. It typically carries no specific cultural or historical significance outside of its literary beginnings. In terms of usage, Chaunice has not gained widespread popularity. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only a handful of babies have been named Chaunice each year since records began in 1950. This contributes to its rarity and distinctiveness today. Overall, Chaunice is an unusual and memorable female given name with American literary origins. Its unique sound and spelling make it an appealing choice for parents seeking something different, despite the fact that it does not have a specific meaning or cultural significance beyond its creation by Charlotte Armstrong.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Chaunice since 1880

Total births
70
Total since 1880
Peak year
1988
11 births
in 2000
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years