Clara for girl; Patrick for boy

[akorda]

New to this Baby Names thread tho' long time lurker!

Currently cooking child no. 2 ( don't know if DS or DD) and wondering about the above names.
Love the name Clara and only know one - don't think it's popular.
Like Patrick and also don't know any. Only problem is we have no Irish heritage so not sure if it's inappropriate to use it. Also hate all shortenings: Pat, Paddy, Rick. Would it inevitably be shortened?
Anyway, any opinions on either welcome!

I don't know any Claras or Patricks. I donk think it will be shortened.

Both fab names

I love both those names..I'm a Claire in real life, if I wasn't then Clara would be on my list. It's really beautiful and classic I think.
I love Patrick too :-)

I have a 13yr old Patrick, all his friends call him Patrick even on the rugby pitch. There is only one other boy with his name in his school year.

Clara is a gorgeous name.

I love Clara. It would be really high up there for a future dd but it sounds really bad with our sn :( boooo
I like Patrick too but also would be put off by the potential nns

Clara & Patrick are both lovely.

I think it's fine to use Patrick if you've no Irish heritage, and I don't think it would inevitably be shortened. I agree with you about not liking the short forms. I ended up giving one of my sons Patrick as a middle name instead of a first name for that reason - you don't shorten a middle name!

One of my daughters goes to school with 2 Patricks. It's never been shortened, they're 10 now.

I think
Clara Meaning : Bright; famous, Derived from Latin, Clara means 'clear', 'bright' and 'famous'., Illustrious
Patrick Meaning :A popular name in Ireland, since it is the name of the countries patron saint. The name means 'nobleman' and is derived from the Latin 'patricius'. famous Patrick's include Patrick Swayze and Patrick Stewart., Noble, Patrician,

Clara is lovely. Fairly popular round here, but not top 10 popular.

Patrick is nice too, but I also dislike Pat, Patty or Rick. You could try to not shorten it?

Clara's a great name to have, I should know, it's my name I've also never met another Clara so it's nice to feel unique!

Love Patrick too.

Patrick is lovely, Clara is not so nice, I think Grace is a nice match to Patrick.

Great names :)