The Name Clarence

THE SELF-CONTROLLED

  • Elegant
  • Genuine
  • Soft-spoken
  • Coquettish
  • Over-sensitive
  • Condescending

Popularity of Clarence Over Time

US births per decade — source: Social Security Administration

Clarence is predominantly a male name in the United States, and has declined in use since the 1950s. There are approximately 75,000 people named Clarence in the US today.

About the Name Clarence

The name Clarence's root letters are CLN.

The clean and clear tones of the CL letter combination demonstrate their influence in the words: clever, clarion, classy, clarity, clergy and clarity. Butthe addition of the negative letter N (no, not, never, nyet, nada, nix, nein, nothing, and naught)somewhat dilutes these clear-headed qualities and creates a sense of detachment. We find these dispassionate effects in words like clinical, clingy, decline, truculent, clunky, and clannish. This is why most Clarences exhibit a genteel and refined outer demeanor, while inwardly struggling to contain their inclination toward self-doubt and pessimism.

In between their forays into melancholy, these competent and talented individuals tackle life with enthusiasm. Their seemingly upbeat attitudes render them a big hit with friends and prospective lovers alike, so don’t be surprised when your CLN date stops to chat with every member of the opposite sex they meet on the way to the theater. Everyone seems to know them… or at least know of them.

Their unique sense of style helps Clarences to stay plugged into the social scene. Female Clarences are perfect for careers in design, or art, while male Clarences lean toward pursuits such as computers or architecture — anything where they can apply their sharp minds and talent for working with their hands. As co-workers, Clarences prove to be competitive creatures with an annoying habit toward condescension… especially when they sense someone edging into their niche. They take pride in their work and will go out of their way to make sure that they get the credit for work they do. Employers appreciate their perfectionism and Clarences are usually handsomely rewarded.

Some people are social chameleons... Clarences are social statues. This is a good thing, mind you, for at least you know where they stand, and never have to guess which CLN is going to show up -- even when they’re in the grip of one of their downbeats. Consistency, thy name is CLN.

It’s as mates that the Clarences’ sensitive aspects emerge, and few things hold more terror than the stigma of a failed relationship and the emotional consequences of rejection. Perhaps that’s why Clarences place so much emphasis on having first-rate friendships with their mates before concentrating on issues of mere romance. However, if the partnership does happen to become untenable, Clarences will be the last to give up… obligingly traipsing to marital counseling or springing for trips abroad. This explains why Clarences are so careful about picking their partners: it’s part of their perfectionist credo; something worth doing, is worth doing once.