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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Clarence ?

63 replies

Kanji0 · 26/02/2021 01:12

Read this off a name list and husband now keen.

Nickname of Clark, or Lars, or Clarrie

Unsure whether it’s an underused classic or unheard of for a reason

OP posts:
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ParisJeTAime · 26/02/2021 11:27

There is also Laurence, which isn't a million miles away and is also lovely imo! Nn Laurie.

ParisJeTAime · 26/02/2021 11:15

Sorry you got three instead of one there!

ParisJeTAime · 26/02/2021 11:15

I'm not keen. I also really don't like Clark or Clarrie.

Similar feel imo, (and another one I don't like), but more mainstream, would be:

Chester
Walter
Edwin

noname55 · 26/02/2021 11:14

@katienana

There is a kids cartoon on Netflix called Clarence, it's very funny but I think it would put you off the name if you watched it
Agreed.
BackforGood · 26/02/2021 11:13

This is one of those names where I think the parents should spend a few days introducing themselves to strangers as Clarence to see the reactions they get.

What a stunningly brilliant idea. Why isn't this suggested on lots of Baby name threads ??

Agree with others - awful name. Yes, I guess not everyone will remember the cross eyed lion, but it really isn't a name that needs to be brought back to the fore.
Definitely don't call him one thing if you are going to call him another. I mean, I don't like the name 'Clark' either, but, if that's what you want to call him, then call him that - it doesn't derive from Clarence.

eddiemairswife · 26/02/2021 11:07

Reminds me of two Dukes of Clarence; the first drowned in a butt of malmsey in Richard III and the second was suspected at one time of being Jack the Ripper.

Topseyt · 26/02/2021 10:36

I wouldn't say that it is the worst I have ever heard, but it isn't my cup of tea either.

VenusClapTrap · 26/02/2021 09:36

I quite like it actually.

partyatthepalace · 26/02/2021 09:15

I think it's quite sweet and will very likely be revived...

since you'd be in the vanguard I can see why some PPs think it's a brave choice, but kids have a wider variety of names than they used to - I think it would be fine. However good to have some nns lined up so he has options - and a more conventional middle name in case it really doesn't work for him.

Charlie would also poss work as a nn. Clarrie is very feminine to me.

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 26/02/2021 08:56

I see I'm in the minority but I like it. I also like Clement.

Not Clarrie, though. That is a girls' name (especially to Archers listeners).

Icequeen01 · 26/02/2021 08:24

I've never commented on one of these posts before but I just had to on this one! Awful name and agree with the poster who mentioned Clarence the cross eyed lion!

AlwaysLatte · 26/02/2021 08:24

We had Clarice top of the list as a girl's name, with the nickname Clarrie - I always thought Clarrie was female although these days lots of names are unisex. Maybe Clifford is due a comeback?

GirlLovesWorld · 26/02/2021 08:22

This is one of those names where I think the parents should spend a few days introducing themselves to strangers as Clarence to see the reactions they get.

Don't saddle your beautiful newborn with it, really.

Just go with Clark, it's a lovely name.

49281730209a · 26/02/2021 08:19

@katienana

There is a kids cartoon on Netflix called Clarence, it's very funny but I think it would put you off the name if you watched it
Exactly my first thought too
katienana · 26/02/2021 08:17

There is a kids cartoon on Netflix called Clarence, it's very funny but I think it would put you off the name if you watched it

whenwillthemadnessend · 26/02/2021 08:17

I like it. It's the name of the angel in 'it's a wonderful life'

Unusual but cute and loads of nicknames.

I can't understand the hate.

DinosaurDiana · 26/02/2021 08:15

Yes, Clarence the cross eyed lion 🦁

Riapia · 26/02/2021 08:12

I went to school with a Clarence, Nn Chad.

Flymetothestars · 26/02/2021 08:09

I love LOVE the name Clarence

I know a 60 year old with the name (never shortened), never struck me as particularly unusual, it's a classic name. Why would someone get beaten up for this name, in a class full of Felix, Fox, Bear etc (none of whom are getting teased either by the way). Clarence is a nice ordinary yet underused name

I also like Laurence but prefer Clarence

Etulosba · 26/02/2021 08:08

Daktari.

Lalliella · 26/02/2021 08:06

Please don’t do it OP

Bmidreams · 26/02/2021 06:12

Its a bit clownie 🤡

JemimaTiggywinkle · 26/02/2021 06:05

I’ve never understood choosing a nickname that is totally different to the actual name before the baby is even born.
If you want to call him Clark or Lars, just pick one of those... why give him a name you’re not intending to use?

SmeleanorSmellstrop · 26/02/2021 04:10

No sorry OP

Happyd · 26/02/2021 03:43

Is that not the angel in it's a wonderful life

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