Claude

From the Roman name Claudius; possibly linked with Latin claudus, “limping”.

Claude comes through French from the Roman family name Claudius. The older name is often connected with Latin claudus, referring to someone who limps, though the derivation is not certain. This is a possible piece of the family name’s history, not a description carried by a person named Claude today. French uses Claude for both men and women. Its single spoken syllable brings the crisp cl opening to a rounded vowel and a definite d; the written e adds no separate syllable. That concentrated shape can feel composed and slightly vintage. Claude may appeal especially if you like a name with a firm outline rather than a long, flowing ending.

Etymology: Claude is a French form of Claudius, a Roman family name. Its connection with the Latin adjective claudus is possible, not certain.