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Baby names

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

Original poster

Clarence

138 replies

Gracefullywalking · 20/05/2026 14:54

I need to know if I've gone mad. This name is not a name that I would have even considered before I fell pregnant, but it continues to grow on me the more that I've thought about it. I just think Clarence sounds like a cute name for a little boy and would also sound mature in adulthood. Thoughts?

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OtterandaRock · 21/05/2026 16:15

I love it.

ithinkilikethislittlelife · 21/05/2026 16:12

RegalDiamondMonster · 21/05/2026 10:59

I like Wilbur

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I like Wilbur too. I have one 🥰.

JustGiveMeReason · 21/05/2026 15:27

ThreeStripeQueen · 21/05/2026 14:34

Rex is cute for a 9 year old but I can’t imagine your average middle aged bloke being called Rex.

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Worked for Rex Harrison

ThreeStripeQueen · 21/05/2026 14:34

rwalker · 21/05/2026 10:03

Love it for baby
but unfortunately it doesn’t has the same ring for a 9 year old or an adult

please don’t he’ll be saddled with it for life
it’s not as though it be shortened to something more suitable
I like Rex

Edited

Rex is cute for a 9 year old but I can’t imagine your average middle aged bloke being called Rex.

Calliopespa · 21/05/2026 11:16

RegalDiamondMonster · 21/05/2026 10:59

I like Wilbur

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So do I. And Clarence.

I can't honestly see why they different from other revived names like Maud and Nancy.

Clarence, in particular, has a nicer sound.

SlayTheJAway · 21/05/2026 11:06

DoctorMarten · 21/05/2026 08:49

Clarence is lovely. Short form Ren?

When you have to reach this hard for a palatable shortening, it doesn’t really work does it.

RegalDiamondMonster · 21/05/2026 10:59

Words · 21/05/2026 06:25

Great name for a cat, a horse, or an air traffic controller ( have I got clearance, Clarence?)
why do ‘hormones’ play a part in bizarre name choices?
I know someone who was considering Wilbur. Dear lord…

I like Wilbur

rwalker · 21/05/2026 10:03

Love it for baby
but unfortunately it doesn’t has the same ring for a 9 year old or an adult

please don’t he’ll be saddled with it for life
it’s not as though it be shortened to something more suitable
I like Rex

ThreeStripeQueen · 21/05/2026 10:00

My now teenagers love of this show has ruined Clarence for me although he’s a sweet character tbf

Clarence
moonshinepoursthroughmywindow · 21/05/2026 09:56

I quite like it. I mainly think of Clarence Clemons, who was pretty cool, but there has also been a title of Duke of Clarence (William IV was one, and he was also pretty cool in some ways). I vaguely remember the lion but children won't. Reclaim it!

EverythingIsComputer · 21/05/2026 09:52

One of the most epic sax players of all time

user1492757084 · 21/05/2026 09:49

Clarence is fine.
Others like it ..
Clive
Clement
Claud
Laurence
Lance
Clay

ourSusie · 21/05/2026 09:13

Gracefullywalking · 20/05/2026 14:54

I need to know if I've gone mad. This name is not a name that I would have even considered before I fell pregnant, but it continues to grow on me the more that I've thought about it. I just think Clarence sounds like a cute name for a little boy and would also sound mature in adulthood. Thoughts?

Yes go for it - then you could name his brothers Clement and Cuthbert - sorted

Mischance · 21/05/2026 09:00

It's fine. If you like it, use it - as long as OH agrees.

Rubyupbeat · 21/05/2026 08:56

@JustGiveMeReason Lol, I just posted about this film.

ButterYellowFlowers · 21/05/2026 08:55

Makes me think of serial killers for some reason

Rubyupbeat · 21/05/2026 08:54

Nooo... as it reminds me of a favourite childhood film of mine 'Clarence the crossed eyed Lion'

DoctorMarten · 21/05/2026 08:49

Clarence is lovely. Short form Ren?

Calliopespa · 21/05/2026 08:20

JustGiveMeReason · 20/05/2026 23:01

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Thank you! He is rather lovely ...

StopFeckingSnoring · 21/05/2026 08:19

Sounds a bit wet to me. And a lot of teasing unless he is going to be a duke or something. Shortened names don’t jump out either.

What about Laurence? Laurie is a cool name and similar vibe.

Words · 21/05/2026 06:25

Great name for a cat, a horse, or an air traffic controller ( have I got clearance, Clarence?)
why do ‘hormones’ play a part in bizarre name choices?
I know someone who was considering Wilbur. Dear lord…

Wecanbeheroes26 · 21/05/2026 06:06

I love it!

LivingTheDreamish · 21/05/2026 03:06

A bold choice OP but Clarence could grow on me.

SlayTheJAway · 20/05/2026 23:37

Gimtch · 20/05/2026 22:03

Gorgeous go for it! We don’t need another George!

Indeed it is a shame there’s only a choice between two names 🤣

Edenmum2 · 20/05/2026 23:14

I know a couple of difference Clares who are known as Clarence as an affectionate (longer) nickname…..i do think it’s on the feminine side but maybe I’m just being swayed by that. And also maybe you don’t care about that. My daughter has a unisex name ….unless you’re genuinely struggling to find one you Iove it’s probably best not to ask for opinions - as you can see by this thread it’s very much 50/50 so probably not much help!