"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
Christian Name · Latin Origin
Clarence Meaning — Origin & Biblical Significance
Clarence
boy
Clarence means "bright" or "clear," from Latin. Clarence is not a name found in the KJV Bible, but Christian families choose it for its meaning. Its biblical meaning comes from Matthew 5:14: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
Is Clarence in the Bible?
No — the name Clarence does not appear in the King James Bible. Christian families use it for its meaning, "Bright; Clear", and for the biblical themes that meaning touches, not because anyone in Scripture is called Clarence.
Pronunciation:/KLAIR-ens/
OriginLatin
MeaningBright; Clear
What does Clarence mean?
Clarence is a boy name of Latin origin meaning "Bright; Clear". Clarence derives from the Latin 'clarus,' meaning 'bright' or 'clear.' The name connects to the biblical theme of light dispelling darkness. Jesus declared Himself the Light of the World, and believers are called to shine as lights in a darkened world.
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Editor’s reflection
A name built from the Latin word for 'bright' — carrying centuries of English Christian usage.
Clarence comes from the medieval English title Duke of Clarence, ultimately derived from the Latin clarus, meaning 'bright,' 'clear,' or 'famous.' It is not a biblical name, but the word behind it is one of the New Testament's favourite adjectives for the character of God: 1 John 1:5 declares that 'God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.'
The name reached its peak popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has recently begun a quiet comeback among parents drawn to old-fashioned virtue names. It carries strong associations in American Christian culture — most famously the guardian angel Clarence Odbody from It's a Wonderful Life, a role that shaped how generations of viewers heard the name.
Clarence sits well with plainer, biblical middle names (Clarence James, Clarence Paul, Clarence John) and gives a son a first name with unmistakable warmth and gentleness — 'brightness' as a personality, not a performance.
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
Why parents choose Clarence today
- •Vintage revival — familiar without being overused
- •Meaning ('bright, clear') echoes 1 John 1:5
- •Warm associations from generations of English Christian usage
What does Clarence mean in the Bible?
Clarence means "Bright; Clear" and is a name of Latin origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
Clarence derives from the Latin 'clarus,' meaning 'bright' or 'clear.' The name connects to the biblical theme of light dispelling darkness. Jesus declared Himself the Light of the World, and believers are called to shine as lights in a darkened world.
What does the Bible say about the meaning of Clarence?
Clarence is not a name the King James Bible uses, so the passages below are quoted for the meaning they share with it — "Bright; Clear" — not because Scripture names anyone Clarence.
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What are the variants and nicknames of Clarence?
Clarence has 1 recorded variant, short form, and translation across languages and biblical traditions.
Variants & related forms
Which books of the Bible mention Clarence?
Clarence is mentioned across 1 book of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Clarence?
Clarence represents the clarity and brightness of God's truth shining through those who follow Christ.
Related Promises of God
Promises connected to the meaning of the name Clarence:
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What names are related to Clarence?
Names like Clarence
Other Latin biblical names that share the spirit of "Bright; Clear" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Names that pair well with Clarence
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Clarence
Download a printable name card with the KJV verse and meaning — perfect for Pinterest, Instagram, or a baptism keepsake.
Clarence name meaning: frequently asked questions
No — the name Clarence does not appear in the King James Bible. Christian families use it for its meaning, "Bright; Clear", and for the biblical themes that meaning touches, not because anyone in Scripture is called Clarence.
Clarence means "Bright; Clear." It is a Latin name. Scripture never uses it as a name, but the idea behind it — "Bright; Clear" — runs right through the Bible.
Latin. Clarence comes into English from Latin and carries the sense "Bright; Clear." Its Christian use comes from that meaning and centuries of use in the church, not from a person named in Scripture.
Common questions about the name Clarence
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Clarence?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Clarence?
You can read every verse where Clarence appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.