The name Clair is of French origin and means "clear" or "bright." It is derived from the French word "clair," which means "clear" or "luminous." The name Clair has been used historically as a given name, but it can also be used as a surname.
The name Clair has been popular in France for centuries and was often used to indicate someone who was bright or intelligent. It is believed that the name became more widespread during the Middle Ages when it was used by members of the nobility.
Today, Clair is still a popular name in France, but it is less commonly used in other countries. However, it has gained some popularity in English-speaking countries in recent years as parents seek unique and meaningful names for their children.
In literature and popular culture, Clair has been used as a character name in several works. For example, the French poet François Villon wrote a poem called "Clairasures" about a woman named Clair. In more modern times, Clair has been used as a character name in books such as "The Clair Trilogy" by Jennifer Government and "The Clan of the Cave Bear" series by Jean M. Auel.
Overall, Clair is a unique and meaningful name with a rich history dating back centuries. Its French origins give it a certain elegance and sophistication, while its meaning adds depth and significance to those who bear this name.
The name Clair has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with its peak of popularity occurring around the early 20th century. Between 1880 and 1930, the number of births for the name Clair varied significantly, ranging from a low of 7 births in 1881 to a high of 356 births in 1923.
During this period, there was a noticeable trend towards more parents choosing the name Clair for their newborn daughters. This is evident by the steady increase in birth numbers between 1880 and 1923. However, after reaching its peak popularity in 1923, the number of births for the name Clair began to decline.
Throughout the mid-20th century, the name Clair continued to be used but at a much lower frequency compared to previous decades. Between 1940 and 1975, there were fewer than 50 births per year on average for the name Clair.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Clair has remained relatively stable. Since 2000, there have been around 5 births per year in the United States for this name. Although it is not as popular as it once was, the name Clair still continues to be chosen by some parents today.