My name comes from French origin, an adjective meaning "light." While traditionally being a masculine name in Latin, I was given the French derivation, making it feminine. To some, it reminds them of the classical piece by Debussy, a song of romantic moonlight. To others, it is a saint, a strong woman who valued her independence and gave to others. But to me, it is a gift I am grateful for, a name my parents prayed to be able to grant their daughter with one day.
Yet while I realize this now, and have grown to appreciate all the name encompasses, I didn't always believe that to be true. It wasn't the name alone that bothered me, rather what was attached to it. With my family, the nickname was endearing, it was a warm embrace after a long day. At school, it was a taunt, a childish remark to get under my skin. I grew ashamed of it, pushing away the name I had adopted without choice. And with that, I lost the comfort of how it felt to hear it from those who deserved to use it.
With time, I began to care less about those who used the name as a weapon. Instead, I saw it for what it truly is. Claire, is the sun peaking over the horizon to wake you in the morning. Claire, is the sparkling reflection of the sea. Claire, is the night sky when the world is quiet and the moon reveals itself. Claire, is the name I reclaimed as something I am proud of.