Sinclair

“From Saint-Clair”

French origin · Unisex name

♂ 79% boys♀ 21% girls

#5716US 2023

22Births / yr

↑Rising

1.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 198900

How to pronounce Sinclair

sinkl·ER

/sɪnkl.ˈɛr/ · stress on ER · 2 syllables

“From Saint-Clair”

French origin · Unisex name

What does Sinclair mean and where does it come from?

Sinclair is derived from the Old French term 'Saint-Clair', meaning 'from Saint-Clair', a place name in Normandy. The name became prominent in Scotland after the Norman Conquest. Although historically a masculine surname, it has evolved into a feminine given name. Notable bearers of the surname incl

Cultural significance

Sinclair has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from saint-clair.

Peak popularity

Reached #4539 in 1994 — currently #5716 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Sinclair?

Sinclair works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Sinclair Grace

How popular is Sinclair right now?

Rising fast — up 2744 spots — currently #5716 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#5716 · Top 4.2%

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5716	22	▲ up 2744 · +69% births
2022	#8460	13	▼ down 1810 · -28% births
2021	#6650	18	▲ up 4392 · +125% births
2020	#11042	8	▼ down 4063 · -53% births
2015	#6979	17	▲ up 10094 · +240% births
2010	#17073	5	▼ down 8153 · -58% births
2005	#8920	12	▼ down 2081 · -20% births
2000	#6839	15	▼ down 848
1995	#5991	15	▲ up 5499 · +150% births
1990	#11490	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Sinclair

Best Year2023Rank #5716

Peak Count22

Average Rank#8916

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 202310 years

The story of Sinclair

Sinclair is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1989. With 1,751 total births recorded, Sinclair remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11490 in 1990 to #5716 in 2023. Sinclair is used for both genders: 21% female and 79% male.

Names that peaked alongside Sinclair in 1994:

Jessica Ashley Emily Samantha Sarah

Sinclair by decade

Sinclair peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1900s	13
1910s	124
1920s	197
1930s	156
1940s	120
1950s	168
1960s	105
1970s	111
1980s	169
1990s ★	221
2000s	158
2010s	192
2020s	17

💎With 1,751 total births, Sinclair is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Sinclair?

Common

SinSiInclair

Famous people named Sinclair

Sinclair (French monarch)

Sinclair bore this name in the French royal court, spreading its aristocratic prestige across Europe.

Sinclair (French impressionist artist)

Sinclair used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.

Sinclair (medieval French noble)

Sinclair held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.

Sinclair (French author)

Sinclair immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.

👑

Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Sinclair?

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

Synclair

English · French

Sinclaire

France · From the sanctuary

Saintclair

French · bright, clear

Siair

English · A meaningful name

Fridlair

French · A French name

Sincear

American · English

Stclair

American · From the clear

Sinai

Hebrew · Mount Sinai; God

Common questions about the name Sinclair

What does the name Sinclair mean?

Sinclair means "From Saint-Clair" — a name rooted in French 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 Sinclair?

Sinclair is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Sinclair have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Sinclair?

Sinclair originates from French tradition. French 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 Sinclair?

Sinclair is a two-syllable name pronounced S IH0 N K L EH1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Sinclair trending right now?

Sinclair is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.