Claire was a name my father liked for me. (The other was Tanaquil. Bit of a difference.) He appreciated the sound, meaning and Frenchness.
I think it would suit me well. I once wished it had been chosen for me instead of
Fiona, because of its spare beauty.
I associate it strongly with a person I'm not terribly fond of, but if I could shake that association I think it might be one of my favorites. It's certainly up there on the list of common names I'd be most likely to use, although
Jane would eclipse it. (But my FI thinks
Jane is too plain. Sigh.)
Claire is a name I think would suit many different people. I'd love to see
Clair used for men more.
Some words that describe
Claire to me:
Spare
Refined
Strong
Light
Clear
Confident
Common
Poetic