Claryce

Meaning & origin

Claryce is a highly uncommon feminine name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1913, during an era when elaborate feminine forms of established male names were fashionable. Its peak usage occurred in 1930, the year it reached its highest rank, though it never achieved widespread popularity. Over subsequent decades, the name declined and has remained extremely rare, with no recent ranking data. The trajectory of Claryce's usage has been stable at very low levels after its mid-century peak. As a variant of Clarice and an elaboration of Clarence, Claryce shares phonetic and stylistic ties with other early-20th-century feminine names. Its rarity and vintage character make it a distinctive choice, though it has never been associated with any particular region or state.

Claryce is a feminine name that appears to be an elaboration of Clarence, which derives from the Latin clarus meaning 'bright, clear, famous.' The name Clarence was introduced to England by the Normans and gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century. Claryce seems to have emerged as a rare feminine variant in early 20th-century America, following the fashion for 'Clara-' names with the -ice suffix.