Claire

Claire is a French name derived from the Latin “clārus” meaning “clear, bright, distinct” or sometimes “illustrious, bright, shining”. Clara would be the Latinate equivalent, Clare English and Chiara Italian. Inspiration behind the usage of Claire would arrive in the Middle Ages in homage to a 12th/13th century Italian woman by the name of Chiara Offreduccio, later known as St. Clare of Assisi, a notable disciple of St. Francis. In order to help the poor she founded an order of nuns named the Poor Clares, who continue to serve today. The word “clair” in French essentially means “clear” (hence the word “clairvoyance” which means clear vision). Some etymologists suggest that Clare (the English version) may have developed as a surname derived from an occupation name, from the Old Anglo-Saxon “clæg” in reference to a “clayer” (one who worked with clay, a plasterer). The French form, Claire, was revived in the 19th century, as was Clara. Today Claire is only moderately popular in France. It’s most commonly used among Canadians and Americans.