Clarice

Origin

Derived from Latin 'Clarus' meaning 'bright', 'famous', or 'renowned'. The name was popularised in medieval Europe, notably through the character Clarice in Dante's 'Inferno' and the 20th-century novel 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It is primarily used in European languages, with sporadic adoption in English-speaking countries, including Australia.

Meaning

'Bright', 'famous', or 'renowned'. In the Australian context, it carries connotations of elegance and classic charm, often associated with vintage or traditional aesthetics.

Pronunciation

/kləˈrɪs/ (Australian English pronunciation: ['klɹəs]) with emphasis on the second syllable, rhyming with 'bliss'. The 'c' is soft, as in 'cat', and the ending is a short 'is' sound.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 15 September (Feast of Saint Clarice, a minor Christian saint not widely recognised but observed in some Catholic communities)
• October (National Classics Day, celebrating traditional names like Clarice)
• 25 April (ANZAC Day commemorations fostering reflection on historical figures with classical names)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with clarice:

• Eleanor and Clarice
• Charlotte and Clarice
• Isabella and Clarice

Fun Facts

• The name saw a revival in Australian literature and media during the 1980s and 1990s.
• In Australian pop culture, Clarice was used as a character name in several films and television series, symbolising sophistication.
• The name has been popularised in Australia partly through the influence of European (particularly Italian and French) cultural references.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name clarice:

• Elegant
• Refined
• Vintage reputation
• Intelligent

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a timeless, vintage aesthetic with a delicate and refined visual appeal, often associated with classic fonts and elegant design in Australia.

Geographical Distribution

More commonly found in urban and southern Australian regions such as Melbourne and Sydney, with less prevalence in rural areas where traditional or Aboriginal names dominate.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 (calculated from the English alphabet), associated with introspection, wisdom, and spiritual growth according to numerology theories popular in Australia.

Astrological Connections

Aligns with zodiac signs such as Virgo and Scorpio, reflecting traits of analytical intelligence and intensity, though these are more interpretative than direct associations.

Historical Context

Famous bearer includes Clarice Bean, a character in the children's books by Lauren Child, which gained popularity in Australian schools and libraries. Historically, the name has been associated with elegance and charm, often used in aristocratic and literary contexts.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across languages; in French and Italian, variants include Clarisse, which are also used in Australian communities with European heritage.

Famous People Named clarice

• Clarice Cliff (British ceramic artist, popular in Australia)
• Clarice Lispector (Brazilian writer, influential among Australian literary circles)
• Clarice Starling (fictional character from The Silence of the Lambs)

Popularity in Australia