What does Clyde mean and where does it come from?
Though predominantly a male name, Clyde can also be used for females. It originates from a river in Scotland. The name has historical significance and has been used in various cultural contexts. American usage saw a rise in the early 20th century. Notable figures include Clyde Barrow, one half of th
Cultural significance
Clyde has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scottish.
Peak popularity
Reached #368 in 1890 — currently #721 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clyde?
Clyde works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clyde Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clyde Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clyde Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clyde Claire
French influence · crisp
Clyde Jane
Literary · strong
Clyde Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clyde right now?
Declining — down 36 spots — currently #721 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #721 | 367 | ▼ down 36 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #685 | 393 | ▲ up 46 · +12% births |
| 2021 | #731 | 352 | ▲ up 6333 · +5767% births |
| 1970 | #7064 | 6 | ▼ down 2232 · -25% births |
| 1965 | #4832 | 8 | ▼ down 1319 · -38% births |
| 1960 | #3513 | 13 | ▼ down 542 · -13% births |
| 1955 | #2971 | 15 | ▼ down 435 · -6% births |
| 1950 | #2536 | 16 | ▼ down 1022 · -45% births |
| 1945 | #1514 | 29 | ▲ up 121 · +26% births |
| 1940 | #1635 | 23 | ▼ down 370 · -28% births |
| 1935 | #1265 | 32 | ▼ down 375 · -52% births |
| 1930 | #890 | 66 | ▼ down 103 · -25% births |
| 1925 | #787 | 88 | ▼ down 48 · -7% births |
| 1920 | #739 | 95 | ▼ down 134 · -19% births |
| 1915 | #605 | 117 | — |
The story of Clyde
Clyde has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. More than 147,070 babies have been named Clyde since 1880. Once ranked #473 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #721 in 2023. Clyde is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Clyde in 1890:
Clyde by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,267 | |
| 1890s | 4,090 | |
| 1900s | 5,093 | |
| 1910s | 20,805 | |
| 1920s ★ | 29,791 | |
| 1930s | 22,851 | |
| 1940s | 20,961 | |
| 1950s | 18,036 | |
| 1960s | 9,133 | |
| 1970s | 4,413 | |
| 1980s | 2,813 | |
| 1990s | 1,686 | |
| 2000s | 1,303 | |
| 2010s | 2,483 | |
| 2020s | 345 | |
What are good nicknames for Clyde?
What names sound and feel like Clyde?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clyde also consider these
Common questions about the name Clyde
What does the name Clyde mean?
Clyde means "Scottish" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Clyde?
Clyde is currently ranked #721 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Clyde have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Clyde?
Clyde originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Clyde?
Clyde is a one-syllable name pronounced K L AY1 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Clyde sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Clyde flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Clyde ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.