What does McClinton mean and where does it come from?
McClinton is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Clyntín'. As a first name, it is quite rare but has been used in some American families of Irish descent. The use of 'Mc' as a prefix signifies 'son of', indicating paternal lineage. The name may be associated with historical figur
Cultural significance
McClinton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of the servant of the church.
Peak popularity
Reached #2829 in 1947 — currently #875 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with McClinton?
McClinton works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
McClinton Grace
Most popular combo · classic
McClinton Rose
Floral · soft ending
McClinton Mae
Sweet · timeless
McClinton Claire
French influence · crisp
McClinton Jane
Literary · strong
McClinton Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is McClinton right now?
Holding steady — currently #875 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #875 | 1,325 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #880 | 1,305 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #885 | 1,275 | — |
The story of McClinton
McClinton entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 34 total births recorded, McClinton remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #885 in 2021 to #875 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside McClinton in 1947:
McClinton by decade
McClinton peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 10 | |
| 1940s ★ | 14 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
💎McClinton has only 34 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for McClinton?
Common
MccMccliMcclieMcclyInton
What names sound and feel like McClinton?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love McClinton also consider these
Common questions about the name McClinton
What does the name McClinton mean?
McClinton means "son of the servant of the church" — 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 McClinton?
McClinton is currently ranked #875 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 McClinton?
McClinton 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.
How do you pronounce the name McClinton?
McClinton is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 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.
What sibling names go well with McClinton?
McClinton 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.