The name Clarence has its roots in the Latin language, tracing back to the Roman era. It is derived from the ancient Roman family name "Claudius," which itself comes from the Latin word "claudere," meaning "to limp" or "to close." The name Claudius was held by several prominent figures in Roman history, including the Roman emperor Claudius who ruled from 41 to 54 AD.

The transition from Claudius to Clarence is believed to have occurred during the Middle Ages, when the name underwent a linguistic transformation through its adoption by the Frankish and Germanic peoples. The addition of the "-ence" suffix, which was common in Old French and Medieval Latin names, gave rise to the name Clarence.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Clarence can be found in the 9th century, when it was used by a Frankish nobleman named Clarence de Guînes, who lived in the County of Guînes in northern France. This region, situated near the English Channel, played a significant role in the spread of the name across Europe and eventually to England.

In England, the name Clarence gained prominence during the 14th century, particularly through its association with the House of Plantagenet. Lionel, the third son of King Edward III, was granted the title of Duke of Clarence in 1362. This royal connection helped to popularize the name among the English nobility and gentry.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Clarence. One of the most famous was Clarence Birdseye (1886-1956), the American entrepreneur and inventor who pioneered the process of freezing food for preservation. Another prominent figure was Clarence Thomas (born 1948), the American jurist who has served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since 1991.

Other famous bearers of the name include Clarence Darrow (1857-1938), the renowned American lawyer and leading member of the American Civil Liberties Union; Clarence Decatur Howe (1886-1960), a Canadian engineer and politician who served as a cabinet minister under several prime ministers; and Clarence E. Mulford (1883-1956), the American author best known for creating the popular fictional character Hopalong Cassidy.

While the name Clarence has seen periods of popularity and decline over the centuries, its enduring legacy can be traced back to its ancient Roman origins and its subsequent adoption by various European cultures, ultimately becoming a part of the English naming tradition and gaining recognition through notable historical figures.