Clarence \c-laren-ce, cl(a)-re-nce\ as a boy's name is pronounced KLARE-ence. It is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Clarence is "one who lives near the River Clare". From a Celtic river name not connected with the given name Clare. The title "Duke of Clarence" was created for a 14th-century royal prince who married a girl from the Clare family. First used as a given name since the mid-19th century. Author Clarence Day; lawyer Clarence Darrow.

Clarence has 11 variant forms: Claran, Clarance, Clarens, Claron, Clarons, Claronz, Clarrance, Clarrence, Clarrie, Klarance and Klarenz.

For more information, see also the related name Darence.