Mostly girls · French form of Clara

Claire

“bright, clear”

Say it KLAIRPronunciation may vary by region.

See your shortlist ↗

A little maybe, saved for later.

The story behind the name

Meet Claire.

Claire, luminous, simple, and strong, is one of those special names that is familiar yet distinctive, feminine but not frilly, combining historical depth with a modern edge. And though Claire is enjoying revived popularity, it will never be seen as trendy. Claire is also a great middle name choice.

Claire is the French form of Clara, a feminine derivation of the Latin masculine name Clarus. The French word for "clear," Claire's meaning, is clair, and was traditionally a male name. Now, the spelling is used mainly for girls, along with Clare, and occasionally Klaire or Klare.

Claire is usually seen as the French spelling of the name, while the equally appropriate Clare is English and Clair is French too. Clara, once seen as a stuffier version, has lately gained some fashion edge, primarily because it has more vintage charm and is somewhat more unusual. The Italian Chiara is another recommended choice.

A little perspective

How popular is Claire?

United States · 2025
Girls · 2025#683,487 recorded births

Recorded US births over time

201420255,2160
● Girls● Boys
View the numbers behind the chart
YearCategoryUS rankBirths
2025Girls683,487
2024Girls673,337
2023Girls683,200
2022Girls663,380
2021Boys12,4865
2021Girls593,704
2020Girls583,837
2019Girls554,130
2018Girls504,406
2017Boys12,6565
2017Girls494,702
2016Girls405,216
2015Girls494,837
2014Girls445,015

Rankings are calculated separately for boys and girls. Records below the publication threshold may be missing; gaps are not zero births.

A few ways to make it theirs.

Nicknames

No nicknames are listed yet. The name can stand beautifully on its own.

Variations & related forms

KlarissaChiarinaKlarikaClaretaKaleaClaretteClarettaClaritaKlaraClarisaClairetteClarissa

Keep the possibilities coming

If you love Claire…

More names with a similar feeling or shared roots.