Skip to content
Name Directory

Explore Baby Names

Curating meaningful names for the next generation. Search through thousands of names with deep historical roots and modern appeal.

GirlRising

Clarice

Bright, illustrious, radiant fame

Clarice means 'bright, clear, and illustrious', reflecting brilliance and fame. It suggests a person of intelligence and radiance who stands out in any setting. The name carries a refined, almost literary elegance.

Origin: English
GirlRising

Clarinda

Bright, beautiful, poetic radiance

Clarinda means 'bright and beautiful', blending radiance with loveliness. It is a poetic, romantically charged name that suggests grace, charm, and an inner light. The name has a musical quality that lends it a lyrical, literary feel.

Origin: English
GirlRising

Clarissa

Most brilliant, illustrious woman

Clarissa means 'most brilliant' or 'most illustrious', being a superlative elaboration of Clara. It conveys exceptional brightness, fame, and distinction. The name suggests a woman of great intelligence, beauty, and moral clarity.

Origin: English
GirlStable

Clarisse

Bright; clear; illustrious

Clarisse is a French name derived from the Latin 'clarus,' meaning 'bright,' 'clear,' or 'illustrious.' It is a melodic French elaboration of Clara, with the suffix '-isse' lending it a distinctively French character. The name carries connotations of intellectual clarity, luminous beauty, and distinction. It is associated with Saint Clare of Assisi through its Latin root.

Origin: French
BoyStable

Clark

Clerk, scholar

Clark is an English name meaning 'clerk' or 'scholar', derived from the Old English 'clerc' and ultimately from the Latin 'clericus'. In medieval times, a clerk was one of the few literate members of the community, often serving as a scribe, record-keeper, or scholar. The name thus carries connotations of learning, intelligence, and quiet authority.

Origin: English
BoyRising

Claud

Roman patrician, steady dignity

Claud means 'lame' in its classical Latin origin, though in practice it has long been associated with the noble Roman Claudian dynasty and carries connotations of strength and dignity. Over time the name shed its literal meaning and became a mark of patrician heritage. It suggests a man of steady, serious character.

Origin: English
UnisexStable

Claude

Lame, limping

Claude derives from the Latin Claudius, a Roman family name originally meaning lame or limping, likely referring to an ancestor with a physical disability. Despite its etymology, the name has been carried by emperors, artists, and composers and is associated above all with artistic and intellectual distinction. It is a classic French name used for both sexes, with the feminine form Claudette or Claude also found in French.

Origin: French
GirlRising

Claudette

Elegant, Franco-English glamour

Claudette is the feminine diminutive form of Claude, meaning 'little lame one' in its literal Latin sense, though it is culturally associated with elegance, sophistication, and charm. In practice it evokes the glamour of mid-20th century Hollywood. The name suggests a woman of poise and enduring style.

Origin: English
GirlFalling

Claudia

Lame, limping

Claudia is the feminine form of Claudius, one of the great Roman family names, possibly derived from the Latin claudus meaning lame or limping. Despite this seemingly inauspicious etymology, the name has been associated throughout history with elegance, beauty, and distinction. The gens Claudia was one of the most powerful families in the Roman Republic and Empire. In Italy the name has a patrician, cinematic quality, particularly through Claudia Cardinale, one of the great beauties of Italian and international cinema in the 1960s. The name blends Roman gravitas with Italian warmth.

Origin: Italian
BoyStable

Claudio

Lame, limping

Claudio derives from the Latin name Claudius, an ancient Roman family name rooted in the word 'claudus', meaning lame or limping. While this literal meaning might seem unflattering by modern standards, the name carries centuries of imperial prestige, having been borne by the Roman Emperor Claudius, who proved to be one of Rome's most capable rulers despite his physical difficulties. In Italian culture, Claudio has long been considered a distinguished and cultured choice, evoking artistic grandeur through figures such as Claudio Monteverdi, widely regarded as the father of opera. The name balances classical gravitas with a warm, melodic Italian sound that has kept it in steady use for generations.

Origin: Italian
BoyRising

Claudius

Roman imperial, intellectual gravitas

Claudius is a name of Roman imperial heritage, originally meaning 'lame' but long associated with power, authority, and intellectual distinction. Several Roman emperors bore the name, lending it an air of command and gravitas. It suggests a man of learning, persistence, and historical significance.

Origin: English
BoyRising

Claxton

Settlement on Clac's land

Claxton means 'settlement belonging to a man named Clac' or 'Clac's town', rooted in the English tradition of place-derived surnames. It carries a sturdy, grounded quality associated with landownership and community. The name projects confidence and a strong sense of belonging to a place.

Origin: English
BoyRising

Clay

Earthy clay land, mortal strength

Clay means 'one who lives near clay land' or 'mortal, earthy', evoking the natural material from which both pottery and, in many traditions, humanity itself was formed. It is a name rooted in the earth, suggesting practicality, creativity, and strength. The name carries a rugged, American frontier spirit.

Origin: English
BoyRising

Clayton

Settlement on clay land

Clayton is an English name meaning 'settlement on clay land' or 'clay town,' reflecting the earthy, grounded quality of English place-based surnames turned given names. It carries a sturdy, reliable character associated with the English countryside and working-class heritage. The name evokes a sense of rootedness and practicality.

Origin: English
BoyFalling

Cleanthes

Glorious flower

Cleanthes is an ancient Greek name composed of kleos meaning glory, fame, or renown, and anthos meaning flower. The name therefore means glorious flower or flower of renown. It was borne by the Stoic philosopher Cleanthes of Assos, who succeeded Zeno as head of the Stoic school in Athens, giving the name a distinguished intellectual and philosophical heritage.

Origin: Greek
BoyFalling

Cledwyn

Rough and blessed

Cledwyn is a Welsh name composed of two elements: 'cledd' or 'cled', meaning rough, harsh, or hard, and 'gwyn', meaning white, blessed, or holy. Together they create a name suggesting something along the lines of hard but blessed or one who is both rugged and pure. The tension between harshness and holiness gives the name an interesting depth. It is also the name of a river in Denbighshire, reinforcing its connection to the Welsh landscape.

Origin: Welsh
GirlRising

Clelia

Glory, fame

Clelia derives from the ancient Roman name Cloelia, associated with a legendary heroine who escaped Etruscan captivity by swimming across the Tiber with a group of fellow hostages. The name is thought to relate to concepts of glory and renown. It carries a classical, Mediterranean quality that sets it apart from more familiar Roman-derived names, and speaks of bravery, honour and quick-witted courage. In Italy the name has been in gentle use for centuries, maintaining its patrician character.

Origin: Italian
GirlStable

Clemantine

Mild; merciful; gentle

Clemantine is a French feminine name derived from the Latin 'clemens,' meaning 'mild,' 'merciful,' or 'gentle.' It is an extended form of Clementine, itself the feminine of Clement, a name carried by fourteen popes and associated with the virtue of mercy. Clemantine suggests the same qualities of compassion and gentle strength but with a slightly more ornate French character.

Origin: French
GirlStable

Clematis

Rare botanical climbing vine name

Clematis is a rare and botanical English name drawn directly from the flowering climbing vine known for its delicate, star-shaped blooms and prolific growth. The name evokes beauty, tenacity, and the graceful way the plant winds itself upward toward the light. It carries a distinctive, nature-inspired quality that appeals to parents seeking an uncommon floral name.

Origin: English
GirlRising

Clemence

Mercy and clemency

Clemence derives from the Latin clementia, meaning mercy, mildness, and gentleness of spirit. It is the French feminine form of the name Clement, which has been borne by numerous popes and saints. The name evokes qualities of compassion, forbearance, and grace, and has enjoyed a strong revival in France since the 1990s, becoming one of the country's most beloved girls' names.

Origin: French
GirlRising

Clemency

Mercy, gentleness, noble forbearance

Clemency is a virtue name meaning 'mercy, mildness, and leniency,' reflecting the quality of showing compassion and forbearance toward others. It shares its root with Clementine and Clement and carries a sense of noble gentleness and moral grace. The name was popular among Puritans and is now experiencing a quiet revival among parents who favour meaningful, substantive virtue names.

Origin: English
BoyStable

Clemens

Merciful and gentle

Clemens is a German name derived directly from the Latin adjective 'clemens,' meaning merciful, gentle, or mild. It has been a traditional name in German-speaking Catholic regions, borne by saints and scholars. The name carries an air of compassion and quiet dignity that sets it apart from more forceful choices.

Origin: German
BoyStable

Clement

Merciful, gentle

Clement derives from the Latin clemens, meaning merciful or gentle, and carries with it a sense of grace and compassion. The name was widely adopted across Europe through the influence of early Christian saints and popes who bore it with distinction. In France especially, it has long been regarded as a name of quiet dignity and moral warmth.

Origin: French
BoyStable

Clemente

Gentle, merciful

Clemente derives from the Latin clemens, meaning gentle, merciful, or mild. The name carries a distinctly compassionate quality, evoking a spirit of leniency and kindness. Several popes bore this name, cementing its association with spiritual authority and moral grace. In Italy and across the Spanish-speaking world, Clemente has long been chosen for its dignified warmth and timeless classical roots.

Origin: Italian
GirlStable

Clementina

Merciful, gentle

Clementina is the elaborated Latinate feminine form of Clement, derived from the Latin clemens meaning merciful, mild, or gentle. In Scotland the name carries particular historical resonance through Princess Clementina Sobieska, the Polish-born wife of James Francis Edward Stuart, the Old Pretender, and mother of Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. The name thus acquired strong Jacobite associations in the eighteenth century.

Origin: Scottish
GirlStable

Clementine

A sweet and gentle French name

Clémentine comes from the Latin adjective 'clemens' (genitive 'clementis'), meaning mild, gentle, merciful, or lenient. The same root gives us the English word 'clemency.' The name was used in the early Christian period as a feminine form of Clement, one of the earliest popes, and carries associations with pastoral gentleness and spiritual mercy. In France, Clémentine has long been cherished as a name that combines classic elegance with warmth of character.

Origin: English
GirlRising

Cleo

Glory, fame, historical grandeur

Cleo is a bright, spirited name that functions as both a short form of Cleopatra and as an independent given name, carrying connotations of fame, glory, and historical grandeur. It has a lively, modern feel while retaining a connection to ancient history through the legendary Egyptian queen. The name is confident, punchy, and stylish.

Origin: English
BoyFalling

Cleomenes

renowned glory or glorious strength

Cleomenes combines 'kleos' (glory, fame, renown) with 'menos' (strength, force, spirit, or resolve), creating a name meaning 'glorious strength' or 'one of renowned resolve.' The name was borne by multiple Spartan kings, giving it associations with martial valor, political leadership, and the austere Spartan character.

Origin: Greek
GirlRising

Cleopatra

Glory of the father

Cleopatra is composed of two ancient Greek elements: 'kleos', meaning glory or fame, and 'pater', meaning father. The name thus means glory of the father or she who brings fame to her father. It was a Macedonian Greek name used by royal women for centuries before it became forever associated with the last pharaoh of Egypt. The name carries an extraordinary weight of history, ambition, intellect, and power, making it one of the most charged names in human civilisation.

Origin: Greek
BoyStable

Clifford

Ford by a cliff

Clifford is a sturdy English name meaning "ford by a cliff," originally a surname derived from various places across England bearing this description. It evokes the rugged beauty of the English landscape, where ancient crossings met dramatic natural formations. The name carries a sense of solid dependability and quiet strength.

Origin: English
Namekin app icon

Discover thousands of names in the app

Swipe through names, match with your partner, and find the perfect name together. Privacy-first, always.