NameCensus.

UK surname

Clair

A French habitational surname derived from a place near a bank or slope, or a topographic name for someone living near a cliff.

In the 1881 census there were 111 people recorded with the Clair surname, ranking it #18,597 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 363, ranked #12,777, up from #18,597 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to New Monkland, London parishes and Toxteth Park. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Walsall, Cambridge and Sandwell.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Clair is 366 in 2013. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 227.0%.

1881 census count

111

Ranked #18,597

Modern count

363

2016, ranked #12,777

Peak year

2013

366 bearers

Map years

8

1861 to 2016

Key insights

  • Clair had 111 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #18,597 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 363 in 2016, ranked #12,777.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 160 in 1891.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Clair surname distribution map

The map shows where the Clair surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Clair surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Clair over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 94 #17,837
1861 historical 117 #18,635
1881 historical 111 #18,597
1891 historical 160 #17,555
1901 historical 115 #21,050
1911 historical 102 #22,465
1997 modern 272 #14,451
1998 modern 257 #15,401
1999 modern 262 #15,308
2000 modern 279 #14,636
2001 modern 275 #14,540
2002 modern 291 #14,275
2003 modern 280 #14,472
2004 modern 281 #14,489
2005 modern 283 #14,343
2006 modern 284 #14,396
2007 modern 298 #14,103
2008 modern 296 #14,275
2009 modern 316 #13,933
2010 modern 353 #13,156
2011 modern 332 #13,608
2012 modern 330 #13,571
2013 modern 366 #12,733
2014 modern 351 #13,227
2015 modern 361 #12,857
2016 modern 363 #12,777

Geography

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Where Clairs are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around New Monkland, London parishes, Toxteth Park, Manchester and Liverpool. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Walsall, Cambridge, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Liverpool. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 New Monkland Lanark
2 London parishes London 1
3 Toxteth Park Lancashire
4 Manchester Lancashire
5 Liverpool Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Walsall 026 Walsall
2 Cambridge 006 Cambridge
3 Sandwell 007 Sandwell
4 Wolverhampton 011 Wolverhampton
5 Liverpool 024 Liverpool

Forenames

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First names often paired with Clair

These lists show first names that appear often with the Clair surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Clair

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Clair, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Clair surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Clair household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Young Asian Family Terraces

Within London, Clair is most associated with areas classed as Young Asian Family Terraces, part of Suburban Asian Communities. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These households with dependent children typically live in terraced housing and are of (non-Chinese) Asian extraction. Individuals with Bangladeshi origins are particularly in evidence. Employment is often in elementary occupations or as process, plant or machine operatives, and part-time work is common. Students are much in evidence.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Clair is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Clair falls in decile 2 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

2
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Clair is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 60-70 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

9
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Indian

This describes the area pattern most associated with Clair, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Clair

The surname Clair has its origins in France, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the French word "clair," meaning "clear" or "bright," which likely referred to a person's complexion or bright, radiant appearance.

One of the earliest known references to the name Clair can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "de Clair," suggesting that it may have been used as a surname for those residing in or near a place called Clair.

During the 12th century, the name Clair appeared in several medieval manuscripts and records, often associated with noble families or individuals of prominence. One notable example is Gérard de Clair, a French knight who participated in the Third Crusade alongside Richard the Lionheart in the late 12th century.

In the 13th century, the name Clair was linked to several place names in France, such as Clairvaux and Clairmont, indicating that some individuals may have adopted the surname based on their place of origin or residence.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Clair was Jehan Clair, a French poet and writer born in the early 14th century. His work, "Le Roman de la Rose," was highly influential in the development of French literature during the Middle Ages.

Another noteworthy figure was Étienne de Clair, a French architect who lived in the 15th century and is credited with designing several notable buildings, including the Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley.

In the 16th century, the Clair family gained prominence in England, with Sir John Clair (1489-1556) serving as a courtier and diplomat during the reign of Henry VIII.

The 17th century saw the rise of René Clair (1624-1680), a French painter and engraver known for his intricate etchings and engravings, many of which depict religious scenes and portraits.

In the 18th century, the name Clair was associated with the French philosopher and writer, François-Joseph Clair (1714-1787), whose works explored topics such as ethics, philosophy, and the nature of human existence.

As the surname Clair spread across Europe and beyond, it continued to be associated with individuals of note, including the 19th century French composer and pianist, Eugène Clair (1830-1901), whose compositions were widely performed in concert halls across Europe.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Clair families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Clair surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Middlesex leads with 32 Clairs recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.96x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 32 2.96x
Lancashire 30 2.34x
Yorkshire 10 0.93x
Surrey 5 0.95x
Warwickshire 5 1.83x
Worcestershire 5 3.54x
Durham 4 1.24x
Sussex 3 1.64x
Wigtownshire 3 20.86x
Kent 2 0.54x
Lanarkshire 2 0.57x
Argyllshire 1 3.32x
Berkshire 1 1.23x
Buckinghamshire 1 1.53x
Channel Islands 1 3.12x
Cheshire 1 0.42x
Dorset 1 1.41x
Lincolnshire 1 0.58x
Norfolk 1 0.60x
Somerset 1 0.57x
Staffordshire 1 0.27x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Toxteth Park in Lancashire leads with 14 Clairs recorded in 1881 and an index of 32.18x.

Place Total Index
Toxteth Park 14 32.18x
Holy Trinity St Mary 6 368.10x
St George Hanover Square 6 31.45x
Islington London 5 4.76x
Little Bolton 5 30.27x
Manchester 5 8.66x
Mile End Old Town London 5 21.70x
Dudley 4 23.27x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 4 28.67x
Bolehall Glascote 3 258.62x
Clerkenwell London 3 11.74x
Penninghame 3 204.08x
Purston Jaglin 3 1153.85x
Willesden 3 29.38x
Birmingham 2 2.20x
Bromley London 2 8.40x
East Blatchington 2 2500.00x
Glasgow 2 3.22x
Kingston On Thames 2 15.79x
Litherland 2 74.35x
Newington 2 5.00x
Over Darwen 2 19.49x
St Luke London 2 11.51x
St Marylebone London 2 3.46x
Allerton 1 72.99x
Ardchattan Muckairn 1 133.33x
Bedminster 1 6.11x
Chorlton On Medlock 1 4.90x
Folkestone 1 13.95x
Great Yarmouth 1 7.25x
Hastings Holy Trinity 1 74.07x
Hoole 1 111.11x
Kensington London 1 1.66x
Liverpool 1 1.28x
New Windsor 1 36.63x
North Marston 1 416.67x
Northfield 1 37.31x
Parkstone 1 120.48x
Poplar London 1 4.89x
Reigate Foreign 1 17.51x
Shadwell London 1 33.00x
St Pancras London 1 1.15x
St Peter 1 107.53x
Swineshead 1 175.44x
Walsall Foreign 1 5.30x
Woolwich 1 7.33x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Clair surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 11
Elizabeth 5
Margaret 5
Ann 3
Alice 2
Eliza 2
Ellen 2
Emily 2
Jane 2
Mildred 2
Ada 1
Caroline 1
Catharine 1
Catherina 1
Catherine 1
Eleanor 1
Elizabh. 1
Emma 1
Fanny 1
Hannah 1
Jessie 1
Kate 1
Laura 1
Lucy 1
Marie 1
ST 1
Sarah 1
Sophia 1
Susan 1
Susanna 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Clair surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 7
William 5
James 4
Charles 3
George 3
Joseph 3
Ernest 2
Henry 2
Thomas 2
Albert 1
Daniel 1
Edward 1
F.T.S.C. 1
Francis 1
Fred. 1
Hubert 1
Hy.T. 1
Jasper 1
Patrick 1
Richard 1
Richd. 1
Robert 1
Sam. 1
Stephen 1
Thos. 1
Walter 1

FAQ

Clair surname: questions and answers

How common was the Clair surname in 1881?

In 1881, 111 people were recorded with the Clair surname. That placed it at #18,597 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Clair surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 363 in 2016. That gives Clair a modern rank of #12,777.

What does the Clair surname mean?

A French habitational surname derived from a place near a bank or slope, or a topographic name for someone living near a cliff.

What does the Clair map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Clair bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.