A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Clarice since 1880
Babies named Clarice per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Clarice's real moment was 1913.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 150 |
| 1890s | 547 |
| 1900s | 1,198 |
| 1910s | 3,784 |
| 1920s | 5,596 |
| 1930s | 4,224 |
| 1940s | 2,761 |
| 1950s | 2,324 |
| 1960s | 1,123 |
| 1970s | 870 |
| 1980s | 788 |
| 1990s | 753 |
| 2000s | 687 |
| 2010s | 420 |
| 2020s | 249 |
Meaning & origin
Clarice is a name with Latin roots meaning 'bright, clear, famous', and it has a long history of use in English-speaking countries. After first appearing on U.S. records in 1880, it reached its peak of popularity in 1913, a reflection of its appeal during the early 20th century. In recent years, the name has been rising in use since 2011, experiencing a revival similar to other antique names. Its strongest usage has been in states like Florida, California, and Texas, where parents are rediscovering classic names with a literary and historical feel. While never exceedingly common, Clarice offers a distinctive sound that balances familiarity with a touch of old-world elegance.
Clarice is derived from the Latin 'clarus', meaning 'bright, clear, famous'. It emerged as a medieval English name, possibly influenced by the Latin 'Clara' and the French 'Clarice'. The name appears in Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' and was revived in the late 19th century, enjoying moderate popularity into the early 20th century.
Where Clarice is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Clarice” around the world
Where Clarice lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Clari, Clare, Cissy
Sibling names for Clarice
Names that share Clarice's style, for a brother or sister.
