The name Claire has its origins in the Latin word "clarus", which means "clear" or "bright". It is a feminine form of the masculine name Clarus or Clario. The name first appeared in ancient Rome during the Roman Empire.

Claire is derived from the French form of the name, which was popularized in medieval France. It is believed that the first recorded use of the name Claire was in the 12th century, referring to St. Clare of Assisi, an Italian nun and one of the first followers of St. Francis of Assisi. She was born in 1194 and founded the Order of Poor Ladies, now known as the Poor Clares.

Throughout history, there have been several notable women named Claire. One of the most famous was Claire of Rimini, an Italian noblewoman who lived in the 13th century. She was immortalized in Dante's "Divine Comedy" for her tragic love affair with Paolo Malatesta.

In the 16th century, Claire Clémence de Maillé-Brézé was a French courtier and the mistress of King Henry IV of France. She was known for her intelligence and political influence at the French court.

Claire Clairmont was an English writer and the stepsister of Mary Shelley, the author of "Frankenstein". She was born in 1798 and had an affair with Lord Byron, resulting in a daughter.

Another notable Claire was Claire Waldoff, a German actress and cabaret singer who was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. She was born in 1884 and is remembered for her comedic performances and risqué songs.

In the 20th century, Claire Booth Luce was an American writer, politician, and ambassador. Born in 1903, she was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the first American woman to hold a major ambassadorial post.