Clarice is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "clarus", which means "clear" or "bright". The name has been in use since ancient times and was popular among early Christians due to its religious significance. In the Middle Ages, Clarice was used as a short form of various names containing the element "clare", such as Clara, Claire, and Clare. Over time, Clarice has become an independent name in its own right, often associated with intelligence, clarity, and radiance.
In literature, one of the most famous characters named Clarice is Clarice Starling from Thomas Harris' novel "The Silence of the Lambs" and its subsequent film adaptation. However, it is important to note that this character is fictional and does not represent the typical traits or experiences associated with the name Clarie.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Clarice. One such example is Saint Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), an Italian noblewoman who founded the Poor Clares, a religious order of nuns. Other notable figures include Clarice Lispector, a Brazilian Jewish novelist known for her experimental and introspective prose, and Clarice Blackburn, an American actress and singer best known for her role in the Broadway musical "The Wiz".
In recent years, the name Clarice has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Clarice was ranked #971 among baby girl names in the United States in 2020. While it may not be as common as some other names, Clarice remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with a rich history and beautiful sound.
In conclusion, Clarie is a feminine given name of Latin origin that means "clear" or "bright". Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne this name, including Saint Clare of Assisi and Brazilian novelist Clarice Lispector. While the name has experienced periods of popularity and decline over time, it remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with a rich history and beautiful sound.
The name Claire has seen a fluctuating trend of popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics from 1902 to 2021.
In the early 20th century, the name Claire was given to around 5 to 16 newborn girls each year between 1907 and 1934. The popularity of the name seemed to increase slightly during this period, reaching a peak of 17 births in 1932.
However, after the mid-1930s, the number of babies named Claire decreased significantly, with fewer than 10 births each year until 1962. The popularity of the name began to pick up again in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with around 5 to 11 births per year.
The name Claire gained significant traction during the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s. Between 1987 and 1995, there were more than 10 births each year, with a peak of 13 births in both 1994 and 1995.
The popularity of the name Claire continued to fluctuate throughout the early 2000s, ranging from 5 to 13 births per year. Since 2011, the number of babies named Claire has remained relatively stable, with around 5 to 9 births each year.
Overall, over the course of a century (from 1902 to 2021), a total of 778 newborn girls were given the name Claire in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has varied over time, it has remained a consistently used choice for parents throughout history.