Clarence

Clarence is a masculine given name and a surname used in English-speaking countries. It has historical associations with the English royal title Duke of Clarence and has been borne by figures in politics, science, and the arts. The name is also used as a place name in several regions, including towns and geographic features.

Notable individuals named Clarence include Clarence Darrow, a prominent American lawyer; Clarence Thomas, a United States Supreme Court justice; Clarence Birdseye, inventor and pioneer of modern frozen foods; Clarence Clemons, saxophonist with the E Street Band; Clarence Nash, the voice of Donald Duck; Clarence White, a guitarist with the Byrds; and Clarence Carter, a blues and soul musician.

Geographic uses include Clarence, New York; the Clarence River in New South Wales, Australia; and other localities in North America and Australia. In popular culture, Clarence is the name of the guardian angel in Frank Capra’s film It’s a Wonderful Life, a character who helps the protagonist gain perspective on his life.

See also: Clare, a related given name; Clarence (surname); Clarence (disambiguation).