MallowbyNames

Claudine

klaw-DEEN · Little lame one; feminine form of Claudius.

Peak popularity
1970
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Claudine since 1880

Babies named Claudine per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1472954421880192019602000Most births 1970Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1880s40
1890s117
1900s217
1910s1,080
1920s1,870
1930s1,686
1940s1,345
1950s917
1960s1,504
1970s1,819
1980s310
1990s221
2000s142
2010s42
2020s13

Meaning & origin

Claudine is a French diminutive of the ancient Roman name Claudius, which traces back to the Latin word 'claudus' meaning 'lame'. The name has a long but quiet history in the United States. First recorded in official data in 1880, it saw gradual use through the early 20th century before surging to its peak year in 1970. That year, it reached its highest rank, propelled partly by the successful 1970 film 'Claudine' starring Diahann Carroll. Since then, its trajectory has remained stable, with the name appearing sporadically but never returning to the top 1000. As the name is historically rare, its estimated 1-in-N frequency is not applicable for recent years, reflecting its status as a distinctive choice with vintage flair. Claudine remains most associated with the French style of the 1970s, with no significant revival.

Claudine is a French feminine diminutive of the Roman family name Claudius, derived from the Latin 'claudus' meaning 'lame' or 'limping'. The name was borne by a 3rd-century martyr, Saint Claudine, and saw modest use in France before being adopted in the English-speaking world. Its popularity in the United States peaked in the 1970s, partly influenced by the 1970 film 'Claudine' starring Diahann Carroll.

Where Claudine 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Claudie, Dee, Claw

Variants: Claudina, Claudette

Sibling names for Claudine

Names that share Claudine's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Claudine, our favorite little girl.

C is for Claudine…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Claudine's letter becomes Claudine's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Claudine's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Claudine mean?
Claudine means 'little lame one' as a feminine diminutive of the Roman name Claudius, from Latin 'claudus' meaning 'lame'.
Is Claudine a popular name for babies today?
Claudine has not ranked in the US top 1000 since the 1970s. Its peak year was 1970, and it has remained stable in low usage since.
Is Claudine typically a girl's name?
Yes, Claudine is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.