What does Clayborne mean and where does it come from?
Clayborne is derived from the Old French term 'clairoborn', which translates to 'dweller by the clay pit'. The name has been used historically in England and was later brought to the United States. It is often seen as a surname but has also been adopted as a first name. The first recorded use of Cla
Cultural significance
Clayborne has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old french.
Peak popularity
Reached #1939 in 1911 — currently #796 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clayborne?
Clayborne works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clayborne Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clayborne Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clayborne Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clayborne Claire
French influence · crisp
Clayborne Jane
Literary · strong
Clayborne Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clayborne right now?
Holding steady — currently #796 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #796 | 1,404 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #801 | 1,384 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #806 | 1,354 | ▲ up 5851 · +26980% births |
| 1985 | #6657 | 5 | ▼ down 2455 |
| 1960 | #4202 | 5 | ▼ down 751 · -17% births |
| 1950 | #3451 | 6 | ▼ down 325 |
| 1945 | #3126 | 6 | ▲ up 488 · +20% births |
| 1940 | #3614 | 5 | ▼ down 222 · -17% births |
| 1935 | #3392 | 6 | ▼ down 502 · -33% births |
| 1930 | #2890 | 9 | ▲ up 965 · +50% births |
| 1925 | #3855 | 6 | ▲ up 77 |
| 1920 | #3932 | 6 | — |
The story of Clayborne
Clayborne entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. With 275 total births recorded, Clayborne remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3932 in 1920 to #796 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Clayborne in 1911:
Clayborne by decade
Clayborne peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 30 | |
| 1920s | 44 | |
| 1930s ★ | 54 | |
| 1940s | 35 | |
| 1950s | 29 | |
| 1960s | 22 | |
| 1970s | 17 | |
| 1980s | 20 | |
| 1990s | 14 | |
| 2000s | 10 | |
💎Clayborne has only 275 total recorded births since 1911 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Clayborne?
What names sound and feel like Clayborne?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clayborne also consider these
Common questions about the name Clayborne
What does the name Clayborne mean?
Clayborne means "Old French" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Clayborne?
Clayborne is currently ranked #796 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Clayborne?
Clayborne originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Clayborne?
Clayborne pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
What are good nicknames for Clayborne?
Clayborne naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.