Show ContentsClarice History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Clarice name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in Clearhedge Wood, in the county of Sussex. The surname Clarice was originally derived from the Old English spelling Clarrige.

Early Origins of the Clarice family

The surname Clarice was first found in Lincolnshire, where they held a family seat from early times.

Early History of the Clarice family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Clarice research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1150, 1175, 1273, 1275, 1327 and 1567 are included under the topic Early Clarice History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Clarice Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Clarice were recorded, including Clarice, Claris, Clericia, Claricia, Clarisse, Claricesone and many more.

Early Notables of the Clarice family

More information is included under the topic Early Clarice Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Clarice family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Clarice family emigrate to North America: M. Claris, who arrived in North America in 1776; and Maria Clarisse, who arrived in Pella, IA in 1880.


Contemporary Notables of the name Clarice (post 1700) +

  • Clarice M. Squillace, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Michigan, 2000, 2008 (alternate) 1
  • Clarice Tinsley, American actress, known for Prison Break, Walker (2005), Texas Ranger (1993) and The Good Guys (2010)
  • Clarice Cliff (1899-1972), British ceramic artist active from 1922 to 1963
  • Clarice A Dion, College Administrator, New Hampshire
  • Clarice Blackburn (1921-1995), American actress


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, April 29) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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