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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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TomatoSandwiches · 20/05/2026 23:08

Haven't rtft but what about Cary as in Cary Elwes 😍

heartsinvisiblefury · 20/05/2026 23:05

Clarence was my husbands Grandads name - also known as Cal. The loveliest man I ever met.

Lotus717 · 20/05/2026 23:02

It’s a great name

JustGiveMeReason · 20/05/2026 23:01

Calliopespa · 20/05/2026 22:16

What on earth is this lion everyone is going on about? And can lions even be cross-eyed?

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Empress13 · 20/05/2026 23:00

It’s a wonderful life !

TamarindCottage · 20/05/2026 22:59

I like it - I had a lovely Uncle Clarence. I also like Clement (my maternal grandfather’s name)

Go for it

wizzler · 20/05/2026 22:55

Sorry op I don’t like it. Try shouting it in the park and see what reaction you get .

Calliopespa · 20/05/2026 22:19

Giraffehaver · 20/05/2026 22:16

Oh and I've heard worse names than Clarence. It's quite sweet

I think it's quite sweet. And quite dignified for a grown man.

Giraffehaver · 20/05/2026 22:16

Oh and I've heard worse names than Clarence. It's quite sweet

Calliopespa · 20/05/2026 22:16

What on earth is this lion everyone is going on about? And can lions even be cross-eyed?

Giraffehaver · 20/05/2026 22:15

@ForeverTheOptomist it's Clarice Cliff a woman

FoxHedgehogBadger · 20/05/2026 22:10

I love it, it’s one of my favourite boys names. Classy, smart, beautiful, classic.

damemaggiescurledupperlip · 20/05/2026 22:07

Clancy is another nickname for Clarence

Gimtch · 20/05/2026 22:03

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

AnnaQuayRules · 20/05/2026 22:03

I'm of an age where I associate it with a cross eyed lion. But that wouldn't be an issue for anyone under 50!

Personally I'm not a fan, but I very much think that if you like it, go with it. Nearly 30 years ago I got talked out of my favourite boy's name on the grounds that it was awful, ugly, old fashioned and that he would get laughed at in the playground. So I chose something else instead. The name was Noah and now it's one of the most popular names. I should have stuck to my guns

SlayTheJAway · 20/05/2026 22:00

Get your husband to go around for a week introducing himself as Clarence, and see how it feels.

See also: pregnancy hormones.

WotsitsAndLambrini · 20/05/2026 21:59

ForeverTheOptomist · 20/05/2026 17:23

... also ...

Clarence Cliff was a rather famous Art Deco designer
Clarence House is a rather famous place
and finally ... The Clarence TV series came to an untimely end due to the creator being up to no good. Hmm.

That’s Clarice Cliff but very similar vibe. I think both sound rather feminine. I think comments on lack of obvious nicknames are useful. Could you use it as a middle name?

RegalDiamondMonster · 20/05/2026 21:58

“There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.”

Made me think of that great first line! - but actually it fits current naming trends, i know a young Digby, a young Ambrose, a young Malcolm. I think Clarence, although I don't like the sound personally, is along the same lines, I wouldn't worry about him being teased etc.

Pricelessadvice · 20/05/2026 21:57

“Can you fly, Bobby?”

TurquoiseDreamCatcher · 20/05/2026 21:56

I think it’s wonderful and it was on my list.

JamesFrond · 20/05/2026 21:54

Imaginingdragonsagain · 20/05/2026 20:27

Another one who thinks he might not thank you for it OP. Unless he’s going to a posh school.

I would have thought a Clarence at a posh school was working in the stables. To me it’s a proper hillbilly name. Like Cletus.

LittleGreenDuck · 20/05/2026 21:23

I wouldn’t choose it, but it’s fine. I know a teenage Cyril, as far as I know he’s not had any grief over his name and he wears it well!

Brodo · 20/05/2026 21:15

Adore it!

tinyspiny · 20/05/2026 21:00

I had a Renault 5 called Clarence in the 1980s , much more suitable as a cars name

luckylavender · 20/05/2026 20:59

I’m a certain age. Reminds me of a television lion.

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