Clare Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Clare Name Meaning: Habitational name from 'Clare' in Suffolk,most likely combined with a celtic river name,meaning 'bright','calm',or 'warm'. Possibly baptismal from the French 'Claire',translating as 'bright of fair'.

Irish nameholders also trace their heritage from the same sources, Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, and better known as 'Strongbow' was the great leader of the Anglo-Norman Invasion of Ireland in 1170.

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Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Clare Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Clare family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 849
Agricultural Labourer 78
Coal Miner 58
Domestic Servant 49
Labourer 42
Fustian Cutter 41
General Labourer 39
Dress Maker 38
General Servant 37
Cotton Weaver 33
Farm Labourer 29
House Keeper 18
Laundress 18
Servant 18
Carpenter 16
Charwoman 15
Annuitant 14
Milliner 13
No Occupation 12
Tailoress 12
Lace Maker 12
General Servant Domestic 11
Baker 10
Tailor 10
Engine Fitter 10

Clare Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Clare 100% 33,757
2 Clear 60% 5,193
3 Cleare 83% 2,079
4 Clair 60% 1,531
5 Clara 80% 1,062
6 Cooler 33% 684
7 Cluer 40% 630
8 Coler 40% 422
9 Colier 33% 397
10 Clore 80% 266
11 Cleaer 50% 245
12 Clure 80% 231
13 Clere 80% 202
14 Caler 40% 172
15 Claire 83% 161
16 Clar 80% 131
17 Cleere 67% 127

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The surname Clare is the most popular version of all its varients

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