Clarence

Clarence as a feminine name represents an interesting gender crossover from what is traditionally a masculine name. Derived from the Latin name Clarentius, itself from 'clarus' meaning 'clear, bright, or famous,' Clarence has a distinguished history primarily as a male name. While uncommon for girls, using Clarence for females follows a modern trend of adopting traditionally masculine names for girls. The feminine usage remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name carries connotations of clarity, illumination, and nobility. For a girl, Clarence offers the potential nicknames Clare or Clara, which highlight its feminine potential. This unexpected gender application creates a name with both traditional roots and contemporary sensibility, appealing to parents seeking something both established and unusual.

As of October 2026, Clarence ranked #13723 in US births in 1992 SSA, peaked at #687 in 1880.