My top name right now is [name_f]Claire[/name_f]/[name_u]Clare[/name_u], but I’m having trouble deciding on the spelling. I’m a Catholic, and I would like to use the names of Saints for all of my future children, so this is where my dilemma comes in. I want to name my daughter after St. [name_u]Clare[/name_u], but the [name_f]Claire[/name_f] spelling is the most common. So, in my situation which spelling do you suggest using? The one of the [name_m]Saint[/name_m] because that’s why I want to use it or the one that is more common? Thanks for the advice and input!
I have met girls and woman with both spellings. I type or write [name_f]Claire[/name_f] often but in all honesty I love either spelling. I feel you should use the [name_u]Clare[/name_u] spelling.
Here’s my thoughts on the spellings: [name_f]Claire[/name_f] seems more preppy and modern, [name_u]Clare[/name_u] more elegant and classic. In your case, I think [name_u]Clare[/name_u] would work well since you want that [name_m]Saint[/name_m] connection. But honestly I don’t think it’s a big deal if you decide you like [name_f]Claire[/name_f] better, you still have the connection anyway.
I think the [name_u]Clare[/name_u] spelling is used often enough that it shouldn’t be an issue if you wanted to use that. I think the saint connection is stronger that way, but I think if you prefer the spelling [name_f]Claire[/name_f] it would still ‘count’ as a saint’s name. Really just whichever you prefer.
I vote [name_u]Clare[/name_u] for you. Some people may misspell it, but it should not be an issue, the meaningful connection is way more important imo.
I know woman with both spellings. I say go for [name_u]Clare[/name_u]. 
I would use [name_u]Clare[/name_u] because the St. [name_u]Clare[/name_u] connection is meaningful to you. We’re quickly moving into an era where everyone will have to spell their names out. At least [name_u]Clare[/name_u] is a legitimate spelling.
Most definitely choose the spelling that is meaningful to you: [name_u]Clare[/name_u]. Not only is [name_u]Clare[/name_u] an accepted spelling, but I think it looks simply beautiful spelled this way!
I vote [name_u]Clare[/name_u]. Either spelling works, and since you have a connection to [name_u]Clare[/name_u] that’s the one you should go with. However if you prefer the [name_f]Claire[/name_f] spelling it still has the [name_m]Saint[/name_m] connection, and you could easily go with that.
I think you should use [name_u]Clare[/name_u] because of St. [name_u]Clare[/name_u]. [name_f]Claire[/name_f] may be more common but, it really won’t hurt her to just say how it’s spelled when people ask.
I understand that problem very well. I love St. [name_u]Clare[/name_u] too, but the [name_f]Claire[/name_f] spelling is definitely my favorite. I’d say that I’m sure St. [name_u]Clare[/name_u] wouldn’t mind you honoring her with a different spelling; because it’s the thought, and the fact that your daughter will know she was named after her that will really count. Take me, for instance. I am named after St. [name_u]Ren[/name_u]é Goupil, but my mother wanted (of course) to use the female spelling of [name_u]Ren[/name_u]ée, so that’s exactly what she did. I’ve still always felt close to my [name_m]Saint[/name_m], and the spelling thing never bothered me at all : )
I’d go with whichever one you like best. I love [name_u]Clare[/name_u] personally - [name_f]Claire[/name_f] feels a bit overused to me - but I think using [name_f]Claire[/name_f] would honor St. [name_u]Clare[/name_u] fine.
I would have said [name_f]Claire[/name_f] before, but it is getting more popular so [name_u]Clare[/name_u] might be a nice alternative.
I love and prefer the [name_u]Clare[/name_u] spelling, and since it’s meaningful to you it seems like a no-brainer to use that one. I wouldn’t worry too much about possible misspellings.
I’ve seen the [name_u]Clare[/name_u] spelling enough that I would probably not assume it was “[name_f]Claire[/name_f]”. I really like the [name_u]Clare[/name_u] spelling.
I am also Catholic, and I also want to use names of saints for my children! I personally do not find [name_f]Claire[/name_f] “un-Catholic” as I know Catholics with [name_u]Clare[/name_u] and [name_f]Claire[/name_f] spellings. If you feel very strongly about the saint thing, then go with [name_u]Clare[/name_u], but a [name_f]Claire[/name_f] is still obviously named after a St [name_u]Clare[/name_u]. I feel that both are beautiful, though [name_f]Claire[/name_f] is more modern, and [name_u]Clare[/name_u] a beautiful, elegant classic.
Another vote for [name_u]Clare[/name_u] I even have to spell out my word name sometimes its not a big deal all she has to say is [name_u]Clare[/name_u] with no I
[name_u]Clare[/name_u]! 100%
[name_f]Clara[/name_f] is even more authentic to the first Franciscan nun and solves the spelling problem in one elegant Italianate name.
Since [name_f]Claire[/name_f] is the [name_m]French[/name_m] spelling of [name_u]Clare[/name_u], I would just choose the spelling you love the most. I don’t think all of the [name_m]French[/name_m] ladies who were given the name in honour of the saint would worry too much about the spelling of their name. [name_m]Even[/name_m] in my own family we have two women with the different spellings for their mn’s (my mother has [name_u]Clare[/name_u] and my cousin has [name_f]Claire[/name_f]). The saintly sentiment is already there no matter which spelling you choose.
Yep, this.
[name_u]Clare[/name_u] is my preferred spelling 