What does Clinton mean and where does it come from?
Clinton is traditionally a male name but is now also used for females. It is of English origin, derived from a surname that referred to someone from a town on a hill. The name gained prominence in the late 20th century with notable figures such as Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United State
Cultural significance
Clinton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of city on the cliff.
Peak popularity
Reached #2205 in 1928 — currently #630 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clinton?
Clinton works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clinton Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clinton Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clinton Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clinton Claire
French influence · crisp
Clinton Jane
Literary · strong
Clinton Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clinton right now?
Holding steady — currently #630 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #630 | 1,570 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #635 | 1,550 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #640 | 1,520 | ▲ up 8692 · +25233% births |
| 1985 | #9332 | 6 | ▼ down 4809 · -62% births |
| 1980 | #4523 | 16 | ▲ up 80 · +23% births |
| 1975 | #4603 | 13 | ▲ up 1229 · +63% births |
| 1970 | #5832 | 8 | ▼ down 515 · +60% births |
| 1950 | #5317 | 5 | ▼ down 1435 · -17% births |
| 1940 | #3882 | 6 | ▼ down 1023 · -40% births |
| 1930 | #2859 | 10 | ▲ up 1177 · +43% births |
| 1925 | #4036 | 7 | ▲ up 954 · +40% births |
| 1920 | #4990 | 5 | — |
The story of Clinton
Clinton entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. A total of 97,458 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4990 in 1920 to #630 in 2023. Clinton is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Clinton in 1928:
Clinton by decade
Clinton peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 867 | |
| 1890s | 857 | |
| 1900s | 1,122 | |
| 1910s | 5,320 | |
| 1920s | 8,512 | |
| 1930s | 6,747 | |
| 1940s | 7,720 | |
| 1950s | 9,349 | |
| 1960s | 10,315 | |
| 1970s | 16,449 | |
| 1980s ★ | 17,643 | |
| 1990s | 7,934 | |
| 2000s | 2,584 | |
| 2010s | 1,910 | |
| 2020s | 129 | |
What are good nicknames for Clinton?
What names sound and feel like Clinton?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clinton also consider these
Common questions about the name Clinton
What does the name Clinton mean?
Clinton means "City on the cliff" — 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 Clinton?
Clinton is currently ranked #630 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Clinton?
Clinton 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 Clinton?
Clinton is a two-syllable name pronounced K L IH1 N T AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Clinton more of a girl or boy name?
Clinton is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.