Holding steady.
Popularity of Clema since 1893
Babies named Clema per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1915, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Clema's real moment was 1893.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 10 |
| 1910s | 72 |
| 1920s | 66 |
| 1930s | 37 |
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Clema is a rare American name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1893, its peak year with the highest recorded usage. Since then, its prevalence has remained extremely low, with no significant resurgence. The name is typically interpreted as a feminine variant of Clement, a name of Latin origin meaning 'merciful'. Categorized as a 'stable' but obscure name, Clema has not been documented in any top state rankings. It shares stylistic affinities with other late-19th-century feminine names like Edna and Ida, which were also short, soft, and accessible. For parents seeking an uncommon vintage name, Clema offers historical charm without modern popularity.
Clema is a rare feminine given name, likely a diminutive or variant of Clementina or Clemence, themselves derived from the Latin 'clemens' (merciful, gentle). It first appeared in the United States in the 1890s, reaching a peak in 1893, but has since fallen out of common use. The name shares stylistic roots with late 19th-century coinages like Emma and Selma.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Clem
Sibling names for Clema
Names that share Clema's style, for a brother or sister.
