Claude — French masculine and feminine form of Claudius. In France the masculine name has been common since the Middle Ages due to the 7th-century Saint Claude of Besançon. It was imported to Britain in the 16th century by the aristocratic Hamilton family, who had French connections. A famous bearer of this name was the French impressionist painter Claude Monet (1840-1926).
Saintly namesake: Claude de la Colombière was a French Jesuit priest known for his role in promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He is one of several saints named Claude. (February 15 · 17th century)
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