Name of the Day: Clementine

Clementine is a name that has never been particularly popular, but fits many of the criteria that parents are looking for in a name these days. The public opinion I received on it was mainly negative, but I personally think that Clementine is a feminine, refreshing name that would suit girls and women of any age.

Pronunciation: KLEHM-ehn-tiyn

Gender: Female

Origin: Clementine is the feminine diminutive of Clement, which is derived from the Latin “clemens” meaning mild, gentle and merciful.

Nicknames: Clem, Clemmy, Emmy, Tina, Cleo, Clea.

Variants/Alternatives: Clementina, Clemence, Clemency, Clementia, Clemencia & Klementijna.

Popularity: Clementine was not in the SSA’s Top 1000 names of 2010, and hasn’t been since 1953, where she was rated at #946. Clementine’s popularity was fairly sporadic during her time on the list, jumping from somewhere in the 300’s down the 700’s the next year, then back up again. Clementine peaked in 1882 at #363. Clementine is a good choice for parents seeking an unpopular name, though I predict she will make her way back on to the list in the next few years.

Sibling names as suggested by Nymbler: Penelope, Christabel, Heloise, Cordelia, Angeline, Holland, Augustus, Florian, Hugo & Cassius.

Middle name suggestions:

Clementine would work well as a first or middle for long, old fashioned names for something regal and feminine, or something short and sweet for a simple but elegant effect.

• Clementine Phaedra
• Clementine Ruby
• Clementine Rose
• Clementine Sonora
• Clementine Andromeda
• Sarah Clementine
• Thea Clementine
• Genevieve Clementine
• Piper Clementine
• Eloisa Clementine