Gender-Neutral Name · Latin Origin
Clare
Clare — a neutral name from the Latin tradition — is an uncommon, standout choice. Its meaning, "Bright, clear", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Claire is on your shortlist, Clare belongs in the same conversation.
Clare meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Bright, clear
Origin: Latin naming roots help connect Clare to related Latin baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Clare as C·L·A·R·E, with 5 letters and a gender-neutral usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Clare is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Clare variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Clarea, Claree, Clarey, Clar.
- Nicknames: Cla and C.
- Middle names: Pair Clare with a middle name that balances its substantial sound; start with the Clare middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Claire, Clair, Clara, Clora, Cleora — full picks on the sibling names for Clare guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Clare? Browse our names like Clare guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Clare
What does the name Clare mean?
Clare means "Bright, clear" and is of Latin origin.
What is the origin of Clare?
Clare originates in Latin naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Clare?
Clare has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Clare a boy's or girl's name?
Clare is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Clare in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Clare sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Clare?
Names that share Clare's sound and style include Claire, Clair, Clara, Clora, Cleora.
What middle names pair well with Clare?
Good middle-name fits for Clare pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Clare is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Clare is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Clare?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Clare share its rhythm without rhyming — Claire, Clair, Clara all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.