The name Clarence is a boy's name of Latin origin meaning "bright". Clarence and is often added to lists like Old Man Names and discussed in our forums with posts like "Names on NB that make you go WOW!".
From the experts:
The name of the guardian angel in It's a Wonderful Life is rarely heard the rest of the year because of its studious, near-nerdy image, but this could change in the current naming climate.
An English peerage title, Clarence enjoyed great popularity at the turn of the last century, reaching as high as Number 18 in 1900, and staying on the list until 2010. It has two prominent legal bearers--Clarence Darrow, defense attorney at the Scopes Trial, and current Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. We can thank Clarence Birdseye for the invention of frozen food. Aretha Franklin and Louis Armstrong both named their sons Clarence.
Lists containing Clarence:
- Forever Geeky Names
- Names That Mean Hope
- Old Man Names
- Top 1920s Baby Names
- Old-Fashioned Baby Names
- Cool Classic Boys’ Names — 100+ below the Top 1000
- Top 1900s Baby Names
- Top 1910s Baby Names
- Top 1930s Baby Names
- Urban Prairie Names
- Names That Mean Dawn
- Names That Mean Light
Clarence in Blog Posts
Clarence in the Forums
Comments
tfzolghadr Says:
tfzolghadr Says:
I adore this name. If it worked with our surname, I'd totally name my son this. It sounds so pure and cheerful to me.
paulapuddephatt Says:
I really like this - not sure if the popularity of Clare, Claire, Clara, etc for girls, could make this less usable for boys/men. I don't like the idea that it might be shortened to Clare, even though the name is technically unisex, as it sounds way too feminine nowadays. Clarence in full is handsome and stylish, though.
lesliemarion Says:
Guess I like nerdy names. Clare and Ren are great nicknames for this quiet classic.
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Why not shorten it to Ren?