Clyde Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationKLYD / /klaɪd/Scottish; English
Meaning
Scottish: from the river Clyde; English: a name of uncertain origin
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Clyde has its roots in the Scottish Gaelic word "cluaidh," which means "river" or "riverbank." This etymology is linked to the River Clyde, a significant waterway in Scotland that flows through the city of Glasgow. The name Clyde entered the English language through the influence of Scottish culture and geography, particularly during the Middle Ages when the river was an important trade route and a focal point for settlement and industry in the region.
Historically, the name Clyde has been associated with various notable figures and events. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name can be traced back to the 12th century, when it was used to denote the river itself. The River Clyde was mentioned in various historical texts, including those documenting the life and reign of Scottish monarchs. In the 19th century, the river became central to the Industrial Revolution in Scotland, further embedding the name Clyde in the cultural and historical narrative of the region.
Culturally, the name Clyde carries connotations of strength and resilience, reflective of the river's significance in Scottish history. It has been embraced in various forms of literature and art, often symbolizing the natural beauty and industrial heritage of Scotland. The name has also been used in various contexts, such as Clydebank, a town named after the river, which became a hub for shipbuilding and industry. Additionally, the diminutive form "Clydie" has been used informally, though it is less common in historical texts. Overall, the name Clyde encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance.
Trend Summary
Clyde has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline since the mid-20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Clyd
International Variants
- Clyd (Welsh)
Famous people named Clyde
Clyde Drexler is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, and the 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team.
Clyde Barrow was a criminal best known for being part of the infamous criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde during the Great Depression.
Fictional characters named Clyde
Clyde is a fictional character from the animated television series The Amazing World of Gumball. He is a close friend of the main character, Gumball Watterson, and is known for his goofy personality and loyalty to his friends.
Clyde McBride is a fictional character from the animated television series The Loud House. He is a supportive friend of Lincoln Loud and often participates in various adventures with him and his family.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Clyde was first seen in the United States in 1880. Clyde has ranked as high as #159 nationally, which occurred in 1920, and has been most popular in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Clyde has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Clyde (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 34 | |
CA | 34 | |
NY | 19 | |
NC | 17 | |
UT | 14 | |
PA | 14 | |
TN | 14 | |
MO | 13 | |
WA | 12 | |
MI | 12 | |
OK | 10 | |
WI | 10 | |
GA | 10 | |
IN | 9 | |
OH | 9 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 221 |
1881 | 232 |
1882 | 293 |
1883 | 336 |
1884 | 345 |
1885 | 318 |
1886 | 307 |
1887 | 320 |
1888 | 344 |
1889 | 318 |
1890 | 317 |
1891 | 327 |
1892 | 390 |
1893 | 391 |
1894 | 386 |
1895 | 370 |
1896 | 372 |
1897 | 359 |
1898 | 383 |
1899 | 330 |
1900 | 451 |
1901 | 356 |
1902 | 382 |
1903 | 413 |
1904 | 457 |
1905 | 474 |
1906 | 457 |
1907 | 507 |
1908 | 511 |
1909 | 516 |
1910 | 617 |
1911 | 697 |
1912 | 1,314 |
1913 | 1,537 |
1914 | 1,954 |
1915 | 2,518 |
1916 | 2,707 |
1917 | 2,719 |
1918 | 2,917 |
1919 | 2,884 |
1920 | 3,069 |
1921 | 3,022 |
1922 | 3,007 |
1923 | 2,853 |
1924 | 3,006 |
1925 | 2,906 |
1926 | 2,873 |
1927 | 2,879 |
1928 | 2,714 |
1929 | 2,628 |
1930 | 2,631 |
1931 | 2,336 |
1932 | 2,319 |
1933 | 2,141 |
1934 | 2,323 |
1935 | 2,355 |
1936 | 2,153 |
1937 | 2,105 |
1938 | 2,130 |
1939 | 1,959 |
1940 | 2,014 |
1941 | 1,872 |
1942 | 2,205 |
1943 | 2,195 |
1944 | 2,081 |
1945 | 1,858 |
1946 | 2,065 |
1947 | 2,263 |
1948 | 2,073 |
1949 | 2,084 |
1950 | 1,985 |
1951 | 2,054 |
1952 | 2,014 |
1953 | 1,855 |
1954 | 1,777 |
1955 | 1,742 |
1956 | 1,715 |
1957 | 1,744 |
1958 | 1,554 |
1959 | 1,467 |
1960 | 1,372 |
1961 | 1,354 |
1962 | 1,138 |
1963 | 1,007 |
1964 | 891 |
1965 | 769 |
1966 | 666 |
1967 | 640 |
1968 | 626 |
1969 | 607 |
1970 | 621 |
1971 | 520 |
1972 | 487 |
1973 | 492 |
1974 | 416 |
1975 | 399 |
1976 | 386 |
1977 | 367 |
1978 | 353 |
1979 | 340 |
1980 | 386 |
1981 | 346 |
1982 | 309 |
1983 | 289 |
1984 | 291 |
1985 | 277 |
1986 | 241 |
1987 | 215 |
1988 | 223 |
1989 | 235 |
1990 | 250 |
1991 | 187 |
1992 | 199 |
1993 | 184 |
1994 | 152 |
1995 | 168 |
1996 | 133 |
1997 | 136 |
1998 | 154 |
1999 | 123 |
2000 | 144 |
2001 | 117 |
2002 | 112 |
2003 | 116 |
2004 | 137 |
2005 | 125 |
2006 | 129 |
2007 | 141 |
2008 | 143 |
2009 | 140 |
2010 | 137 |
2011 | 153 |
2012 | 158 |
2013 | 196 |
2014 | 285 |
2015 | 288 |
2016 | 298 |
2017 | 349 |
2018 | 328 |
2019 | 299 |
2020 | 347 |
2021 | 352 |
2022 | 393 |
2023 | 367 |
2024 | 359 |