The name Clair is of French origin and means "clear" or "bright." It is derived from the Old French word "clair," which itself comes from the Latin word "clarus," meaning "famous, bright, clear."
The name Clair has a long history in France, dating back to at least the 12th century. In medieval France, it was often used as a given name for girls and boys alike. Over time, however, it became more commonly associated with female names.
Today, Clair is still used as a feminine given name in France and other French-speaking countries. It has also gained popularity in English-speaking countries, where it is sometimes spelled "Clare" or "Claire." Variations of the name include Clara, Clareen, Clairene, and Clairette.
Despite its popularity, Clair remains a relatively rare name, which can make it a unique choice for parents looking for something different. Its simple yet elegant meaning makes it a popular choice among those who prefer classic names with timeless appeal.
Based on the statistics provided for the given name Clair in the United States from 1880 to 2023, we can observe several trends and patterns over time.
From 1880 to around 1965, there was significant variability in the number of births each year, ranging from a low of 5 births in certain years like 1880 and 1971 to a peak of 49 births in 1923. During this period, the name Clair was used relatively infrequently compared to recent decades.
Starting around 1965 and continuing until roughly 1990, there was an increase in the usage of the name Clair, with birth numbers ranging from a low of 14 births in 1968 to a peak of 65 births in 1988. This suggests that the name Clair gained some popularity during this time frame.
From 1990 onwards, there has been consistent usage of the name Clair, with birth numbers ranging from a low of 26 births in 2021 to a peak of 64 births in 2008. This indicates that the name Clair has maintained a steady level of popularity among parents in recent years.
Overall, since 1880, there have been a total of 4251 births with the name Clair in the United States. While the usage of this name has varied over time, it has shown consistent usage throughout history and has seen increased popularity in recent decades compared to earlier periods.