Meaning
The meaning of Clare
Clare comes from Latin clarus, meaning clear, bright, or famous. Related forms include Clara, Claire, and the Italian Chiara.
Saints' name
Clare in Christian tradition
Clare is not a biblical name, but it has strong Christian history through Saint Clare of Assisi. That places it in the saints' name tradition rather than the Bible-name category.
Its meaning also fits naturally with Christian symbolism around light, clarity, and witness.
Sound
How to pronounce Clare
- Phonetic
- KLAIR
- IPA
- /klɛəɹ/
1 syllable · stress: KLAIR · ends in a consonant
Forms
Variants and nicknames
Alternate spellings
- Claire
- Clara
- Chiara
- Klara
Short forms and nicknames
- Clary
Languages
Clare in other languages
- Latin
- Clara
- Spanish
- Clara
- French
- Claire
- German
- Klara
- Italian
- Chiara
- Portuguese
- Clara
- Polish
- Klara
- Russian
- КлараKlara
Christian background
Christian and biblical background
Clare's Christian context comes chiefly from Saint Clare of Assisi, a major medieval Christian figure associated with poverty, prayer, and the community later known as the Poor Clares. For more on the Christian saint tradition and how it shapes naming choices across denominations, see Early Christian saint names.
Bearers
Notable people named Clare
historical
Clare of AssisiItalian saint, follower of Francis of Assisi, and founder of the Poor Clares, 1194 to 1253historical
Clare Boothe LuceAmerican writer, congresswoman, and ambassador, 1903 to 1987modern
Clare ShortBritish Labour politician and former Secretary of State for International Development, born 1946modern
Clare BaldingEnglish broadcaster, journalist, and author, born 1971
Saint
Saint Clare of Assisi
- Traditions
- Catholic, Anglican
- Patron of
- television, eye disease, embroiderers, laundry workers
Clare (1194 to 1253) founded the Order of Poor Ladies, later renamed the Poor Clares. She was declared patron of television in 1958 because tradition holds she saw and heard a vision of the Christmas Mass on the wall of her cell during illness.
Naming history
Naming tradition and history
Clare and Claire have long been used in Christian Europe and English-speaking countries. Clare feels spare and literary, while Claire feels slightly more French and polished.
Recent US use
Clare in recent US use
- Rank in 2025
- #924
- Peak rank
- #320 in 1884
- Recent trend
- declining over the last 5 years
- Years in the SSA records
- 146 (since 1880)
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.
Sibling fit
Sibling name suggestions
For families
For families looking at Clare
For a Christian family, Clare offers a gentle saints' name with a clean sound and a meaning connected with brightness and clarity.
Common questions
What does Clare mean?
Clare means clear, bright, or famous.
Is Clare a biblical name?
No. Clare does not appear in the Bible.
Is Clare a Christian name?
Yes. Clare is a Christian heritage name strongly associated with Saint Clare of Assisi.
Sources
Sources for Clare
- The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names, E. G. Withycombe (3rd edition)Supports: Latin etymology (clarus); meaning clear, bright, or famous.
- The Oxford Dictionary of Saints, David Hugh Farmer (5th edition)Supports: Saint Clare of Assisi; foundress of the Poor Clares; feast day (August 11).
Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.
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