Marie-Claire Name Meaning & Origin
Marie-Claire
Origin of the name Marie:
French cognate of Mary, which is derived from the Hebrew Miryām, a name of debated meaning. Many believe it to mean "sea of bitterness" or "sea of sorrow." However, some sources cite the alternative definitions of "rebellion," "wished-for child," and "mistress or lady of the sea." The name is borne in the Bible by the mother of Jesus, the son of God.
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US Popularity of Marie-Claire Over Time

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- Comments and insights on the name Marie-Claire
According to Freakonomics, Marie-Claire is a very high-end name, meaning it is chosen by parents of high socio-economic status.
- Personal experiences with the name Marie-Claire
I was named Marie-Claire by my mother, who is from French-speaking Switzerland. It has been a difficult name to grow up with in Australia because the pronounciation of "Marie" is quite different from how it is pronounced in French. When I was at school I was called "Murray Claire" which is pretty terrible for a little girl! Having a hyphenated name is also a bit difficult because hyphens sometimes aren't recognised by computer programs.
- Nicknames for Marie-Claire
MC,Mar
- Meanings and history of the name Marie-Claire
Marie-Claire is a French compound name, combining Marie (the French form of Mary, usually given the meaning "bitter") and Claire (meaning clear or bright). Compound names in France are generally considered to be one given name, rather than two separate names.
- Famous real-life people named Marie-Claire
Marie-Claire Alain
- Marie-Claire in song, story & screen
There is a French fashion magazine called Marie-Claire which is also published in English and other languages.The name is also written in a song which was a hit in 1969 written by Peter Sarstedt and it is called "Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)?". The song is about a fictional girl named Marie-Claire who grows up to become a member of the Jet Set, and lives in Paris. The lyrics describe her from the perspective of a childhood friend; it is left unclear whether they have remained close. The rhetorical question of the title suggests that her glamorous lifestyle may not have brought Marie-Claire happiness or contentment.