Find out how popular the first name Clary has been for the last 42 years (from 1982 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Clary by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Clary is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Clary being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Clary.

The history of the first name Clary

The name Clary originated from the Latin word "clarus," meaning "clear" or "bright." It is believed to have been derived from the name of a Roman family, the "Clarii," who were prominent during the early days of the Roman Empire. The name's earliest recorded use dates back to the 1st century AD, when it was commonly used as a masculine name among the Roman aristocracy.

During the Middle Ages, the name Clary became popular in France, where it was often spelled as "Claire" or "Clare." One of the most notable historical figures to bear this name was St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, also known as the Poor Clares. Her devotion to a life of poverty and service to the poor helped popularize the name among Christians throughout Europe.

In the 13th century, the name Clary was also associated with the Clary Sage plant, known for its distinctive aroma and medicinal properties. This association likely contributed to the name's popularity among herbalists and apothecaries during the Renaissance period.

Among the famous individuals who bore the name Clary throughout history are Clary Delorto (1653-1728), a French painter and engraver known for her portraits and religious scenes. Another notable figure was Clary Aldringen (1588-1647), an Austrian field marshal who fought in the Thirty Years' War and was known for his military strategies.

In the 19th century, the name Clary gained popularity in England, where it was often used as a feminized version of the masculine name Clarence. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Clary Fagan (1815-1894), an Irish-American actress and comedian who was a prominent figure in the early American theater scene.

Another historical figure of note was Clary von Riaucour (1876-1961), a German writer and activist who was involved in the women's suffrage movement and fought for equal rights for women in Germany.

Throughout its long history, the name Clary has been associated with brightness, clarity, and a connection to nature, reflecting its Latin roots and the Clary Sage plant. While its popularity has waxed and waned over the centuries, it has remained a unique and distinctive name with a rich cultural heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Clary was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Clary, please contact us.

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