What does Clinten mean and where does it come from?
Clinten is a variant of the name Clinton with Old English origins. The name means 'settlement near the hill' or 'settlement by the river'. Historically, it was used as a surname in various places, particularly in England and later became popular as a given name. Notable people with this name include
Cultural significance
Clinten has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of settlement by the river.
Peak popularity
Reached #3780 in 1977 — currently #814 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clinten?
Clinten works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clinten Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clinten Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clinten Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clinten Claire
French influence · crisp
Clinten Jane
Literary · strong
Clinten Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clinten right now?
Holding steady — currently #814 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #814 | 1,386 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #819 | 1,366 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #824 | 1,336 | ▲ up 7805 · +26620% births |
| 1990 | #8629 | 5 | ▼ down 3135 · -29% births |
| 1985 | #5494 | 7 | ▲ up 1296 · +40% births |
| 1980 | #6790 | 5 | ▼ down 2148 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #4642 | 6 | — |
The story of Clinten
Clinten is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1969. With 93 total births recorded, Clinten remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4642 in 1970 to #814 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Clinten in 1977:
Clinten by decade
Clinten peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 26 | |
| 1980s ★ | 36 | |
| 1990s | 26 | |
💎Clinten has only 93 total recorded births since 1969 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Clinten?
What names sound and feel like Clinten?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clinten also consider these
Common questions about the name Clinten
What does the name Clinten mean?
Clinten means "settlement by the river" — a name rooted in English 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 Clinten?
Clinten is currently ranked #814 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 Clinten?
Clinten originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Clinten?
Clinten is a two-syllable name pronounced K L IH1 N T EH1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Clinten a common or rare name?
Clinten is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.