clement

Clement is a masculine given name of Latin origin. It derives from Clemens, meaning merciful, gentle, or mild. The form has circulated widely in Western Europe and beyond, giving rise to numerous variants in other languages, such as Clément (French), Clemente (Italian and Spanish), and Clemens (German and Latin). The name is also used as a surname in some traditions.

In Christian history, Clement appears prominently due to several figures named Clement. Saint Clement I, traditionally regarded as the fourth Bishop of Rome, is venerated as a saint and is often identified with the biblical Clement mentioned in early Christian writings. Other popes bearing the name include Clement V, who reigned in the early 14th century, and various later holders of the title. Beyond the papacy, Clement has been the name of early Christian writers and church leaders, such as Clement of Alexandria, a 2nd-century theologian, and Clement of Ohrid, a medieval saint and scholar.

Notable people named Clement in modern times include Clement Attlee (1883–1967), the British prime minister who led postwar reconstruction; Clement Clarke Moore (1779–1863), an American author and professor best known for the poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"; Clement Greenberg (1909–1994), an influential American art critic; and Clement Freud (1924–2009), a British writer and broadcaster. The name Clement is also used as a surname and appears in various place names, institutions, and cultural references around the world, reflecting its long-standing presence in multiple languages and traditions.