In its short form this is both a boy's and a girl's name. The original boy's name is Clement or its medieval variant Clemence. Both come from the late Latin name Clemens or "merciful." Because of its meaning, it is often regarded as a religious name. The Puritans often translated it directly into English and used it as a girl's name, Mercy.
There are several feminine forms. Clemence can also be used as a girl's name (in the 1930s there was a best-selling female author – now little read – called Clemence Dane.) Better known is Clementine, originally French but popularly associated with the American song "My Darling Clementine." Another version is Clementina; both are often shortened to Clemmie, a pet form given to, among others, Winston Churchill's wife.
Other famous bearers of the name include former politician, writer and entertainer Clement Freud.
There are several feminine forms. Clemence can also be used as a girl's name (in the 1930s there was a best-selling female author – now little read – called Clemence Dane.) Better known is Clementine, originally French but popularly associated with the American song "My Darling Clementine." Another version is Clementina; both are often shortened to Clemmie, a pet form given to, among others, Winston Churchill's wife.
Other famous bearers of the name include former politician, writer and entertainer Clement Freud.