The first name Claude

In 2025, 12 boys were named Claude, making it the 2,014th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 1996, with 18 births (#818).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Claude with other names.

In 2025, 40 boys born in the United States were named Claude, the 3,044th most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 1920, when 1,893 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

Spelled Claude in French too.

• Claude Debussy
  French classical composer (1862–1918)
• Claude Lévi-Strauss
  French anthropologist and ethnologist (1908–2009)
• Claude Simon
  French writer (1913–2005)
• Claude Bernard
  French physiologist (1813-1878)
• Claude Henri de Rouvroy, comte de Saint-Simon
  French early socialist theorist (1760-1825)
• Claude Adrien Helvétius
  French philosopher; (1715-1771)
• Claude Cohen-Tannoudji
  French physicist and Nobel laureate (1933–2026)
• Claude Shannon
  American mathematician and information theorist (1916–2001)
• Claude Chabrol
  French film director (1930–2010)
• Claude Makelélé
  French football manager (born 1973)
• Claude Lelouch
  French film director, writer, cinematographer, actor and producer (born 1937)
• Claude Jade
  French actress (1948-2006)

• Leo
• Lucas
• Paul
• Max
• Theodore
• Sebastian
• Anthony
• Gabriel
• Patrick
• Martin
• Mark
• Roman
• Leon
• Francis
• Felix
• Julian

All 381 names of Latin origin

What does the name Claude mean?

Claude means “lame” in Latin.

What is the origin of the name Claude?

In use from the 16th century. Borrowed from French Claude, from Latin Claudius, the name of a Roman gens. The clan name is traditionally said to be from Latin claudus (“lame”), but is most likely of Sabine origin.

How popular is the name Claude?

In 2025, 12 boys born in England and Wales were named Claude, ranking 2,014th. Its peak was 1996, with 18 births.

Is Claude a boy's or a girl's name?

Mostly a boy's name: 99% of the 92,289 US babies named Claude since 1880 were boys.

When was Claude most popular?

1920 in the United States, when 1,893 babies were named Claude, its highest rank at 92nd.

How do you pronounce Claude?

Claude is /ˈklɔd/, one syllable.

What are other spellings of Claude?

Claud.

Is Claude also a surname?

Yes. Claude is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.