CLAIRE  

Gender: F
Origin: French
Meaning: "bright"

Popularity in 2008: #62

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

Variations:
Claresta, Clairine, Clarice, Clarene, Klaretta, Clarabel, Cearra, Claribelle, Clari, Clare, Clairissa, Claribel, Ciara, Claryce, Clayrette, Klaire, Klaryce, Claribella, Sinclaire, Ciarra, Cheeara, Klyara, Klayre, Clair, Clairey, Clayrissa, Ceara, Clarisse, Claireta, Clayrice, Clairy, Cliara, Clarey, Clary, Clarabelle, Clayrinda, Clairita, Clairinda, Clarine, Clairice, Clayre, Kliara, Clorinda, Clarinda, Klare, Clarrie, Clarry, Claireen, Sinclair, Clarie

International Variations:
Clarette, Clairette (French) Klarissa, Clarissa (German) Kalea (Hawaiian) Klarika (Hungarian) Chiarina, Claretta, Clarina, Chiara (Italian) Klara (Slavic) Clareta, Clarita, Clarisa (Spanish)

People who like Claire also like:

Hannah, Avery, Audrey, Caroline, Clover, Ivy, Leah, Lorelei, Madeline, Savannah, Arlo, Milo, Miles, Thomas, Tristan

Claire is being discussed in our message boards:

• How Important is following a sibset?
• Help me find a middle name for Sophie-Claire
• Do you like the name Claire?
• Cheaper By the Dozen
• Sophie-Claire or Sophie-Jane?

Read Nameberry blog posts about Claire:

• SCOTTISH BABY NAMES: What's 'in' in Inverness?
• EXOTIC LITE: Girls' Edition
• THE SECRET MEANING OF NAMES
• NAMEBERRY FAVES: The names nameberryites love most
• MIXED-MARRIAGE NAMES