Clarence ?

[Kanji0]

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

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.

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?

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!

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).

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.

I quite like it actually.

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

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.

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.

@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.

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

Sorry you got three instead of one there!

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

I would think girl for Clarrie.

I love it! I think it's strong and elegant but sweet too. I don't understand all the hate for it here on a site that seems obsessed with Clementine (a fruit!) and Bear (an animal!). I like the nickname Clarrie but might also use Larry.

Definitely not Clarrie as a nickname.

Clark(e) and Lars are much better names than Clarence but obviously don't use the former if your surname is Kent.

@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

Very much this!

I don't like it sorry.
Prefer Laurence/ Lance

Clarence/Lars is great.

Clarence the cross-eyed lion here too.

Is a name for dukes (and as a result, pubs) and lions.

I like it. Reminds me of the angel in It's a Wonderful Life.

I think Clarence is one of those names you'd have to be incredibly hipster or very upper class to pull off, sorry - a bit like Eugene, Percival or Cecil. Fine if your child is confident, but not so great if he's not.

Similar but more popular/well known Laurence is more useable I think (and would be a more obvious BC name for Lars). Or just use Clark or Lars on their own - while they are uncommon in the UK, they are nice names imo.

This is Clarence!

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.

William IV was also a DofC and he might be a slightly more positive role model.

However Clarence mostly reminds me of Clarence Clemons, and he positively rocked. I quite the name just as a collection of sounds too. I'm surprised it's not used more.