Claire
Claire comes from the French "clair," meaning clear or bright — the same word as in "clairvoyant" (clear-seeing) and "clarity." The Latin root is "clarus," meaning bright or famous. Saint Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), a follower of Saint Francis, founded the Poor Clares order of nuns and is the patron saint of television. Claire has been in the US top 1000 since 1880, but its modern surge began in the 1990s. It entered the top 50 in 2013 and has stayed there. The name's appeal is its combination of simplicity and elegance — one syllable, no complications, a slightly French quality. Claire Danes (born 1979), the actress known for "My So-Called Life" and "Homeland," has been the most visible modern bearer. What I find striking about Claire is its clarity — the name literally means "clear," and it sounds clear. The "cl" opening is clean, the single syllable is direct, and the "r" at the end gives it weight. It is one of those names that sounds intelligent without being precious. It works for a child and for a Supreme Court justice. Claire is a female name of French / Latin origin that means "Clear, bright". Clear, intelligent, and elegant. The name sounds sharp. Claires tend to be direct. US top 50 since 2013. Well-known people named Claire include Saint Clare of Assisi, Claire Danes (actress), Claire Foy (actress), Claire (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Claire include Clare (English variant), Clara (Latinized), Chiara (Italian), Clémence (French related).