Clinton

“City on the cliff”

English origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#630US 2023

1.6kBirths / yr

→Stable

97.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 191800

How to pronounce Clinton

KLINT·un

/ˈklɪnt.ən/ · stress on KLINT · 2 syllables

“City on the cliff”

English origin · Unisex name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Clinton right now?

Holding steady — currently #630 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#630 · Top 0.46%

1920

1925

1930

1940

1950

1970

1975

1980

1985

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Clinton

Best Year2023Rank #630

Peak Count1,570

Average Rank#3940

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 202312 years

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:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

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?

ENGLISH

Clint

What names sound and feel like Clinton?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clinton also consider these

Clifton

United Kingdom · cliff town

Cliston

American · English

Clinten

English · settlement by the

American · Town on the

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.