Claire
Meaning: Clear, bright, famous
Origin: French form of Clara, from Latin clarus (clear, bright, famous)
Gender: Girl
Rank in New Zealand: #124
Total births: 5,072
History: Claire rose in 1970s-80s New Zealand, a crisp, elegant name embraced by Kiwi parents. The name flourished during the era when NZ women were breaking barriers in every field. Claire represents the bright, capable generation of Aotearoa women who reshaped the nation.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from New Zealand’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #180 |
| Babies named Claire in 2025 | 22 |
| Total recorded in New Zealand | 5,072 |
| Peak year | 1980 (146 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #23 |
| Years in records | 1925–2025 (101 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↑ 30 spots |
Frequently asked about Claire
What does the name Claire mean?
Claire means “Clear, bright, famous” from French form of Clara, from Latin clarus (clear, bright, famous) roots.
What is the origin of the name Claire?
Claire has French form of Clara, from Latin clarus (clear, bright, famous) origin. The traditional meaning is “Clear, bright, famous”.
How popular is Claire in New Zealand?
Claire ranked #180 in New Zealand in 2025 — given to 22 babies that year.
When was Claire most popular?
Claire peaked in 1980 with 146 babies registered that year in New Zealand.
Is Claire a boy or girl name?
Claire is predominantly a girls' name in New Zealand — over 90% of Claires in registered births are female.
Is the name Claire rising or falling in popularity?
Claire has risen 30 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in New Zealand — from #210 in 2020 to #180 in 2025.
How long has Claire been recorded in New Zealand?
Claire appears in birth records in New Zealand across 101 years — from 1925 through 2025.