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Clancy Unisex

Popularity: #887 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationKLAN-see / /ˈklæn.si/

Irish; Gaelic

Meaning

Irish: 'descendant of the servant of the church'; Gaelic: 'valiant'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Clancy has its roots in the Gaelic surname "Ó Cluainseach," which translates to "descendant of Cluainseach." The original Gaelic term "Cluain" means "meadow" or "pasture," suggesting a connection to nature and land. The name evolved through various forms as it transitioned into English, particularly during the period of English influence in Ireland from the 12th century onward. The anglicization of Gaelic names often led to the adoption of surnames as given names, a process that became more common in the 19th century.

Historically, the Clancy family is associated with the province of Munster in Ireland, where they were part of the Gaelic nobility. The name appears in various historical records, including the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history compiled in the 17th century. The Clancy family has been linked to notable figures in Irish history, including military leaders and poets, which contributed to the name's cultural significance. The surname gained further recognition through its association with the Irish diaspora, particularly during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century, when many Irish emigrated to other countries, including the United States.

Culturally, the name Clancy carries connotations of strength and resilience, reflective of the historical experiences of the Irish people. It is often associated with traditional Irish music and folklore, where names of Gaelic origin frequently appear. The name has also been embraced in various forms of literature and media, reinforcing its place in cultural narratives. Diminutive forms such as "Clancey" may also be encountered, although the primary form remains Clancy. Overall, the name embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic heritage and historical significance that resonates within Irish culture.

Trend Summary

Clancy has seen a modest rise in popularity as a boy's name in the United States in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Clancey
  • Clance

International Variants

  • Clancy (Irish)

Famous people named Clancy

Clancy Brown is an actor best known for The Shawshank Redemption, Highlander, and The Mandalorian.

Clancy Sigal is a novelist and screenwriter best known for Going Away, Zone of the Interior, and The Man Who Knew Too Much.

Fictional characters named Clancy

Clancy is a fictional character from the video game series Clancy's Adventures. He is a brave young hero who embarks on quests to save his world from various threats.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Clancy was first seen in the United States in 1914. Clancy has ranked as high as #1323 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, and Utah. In the past 5 years the name Clancy has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Clancy (2024)

StateBirthsShare
UT 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19146
19156
19185
19206
19215
19237
19246
19255
19269
19276
19288
19305
19326
19345
19409
19416
19435
19448
19456
19475
19488
194915
195016
19519
195216
195310
19545
195520
19566
19576
19586
195912
196013
19618
196210
196315
196410
196513
19667
19679
196811
196910
19708
197117
197218
197312
197417
197515
197610
19779
197812
197918
198014
19818
198211
198312
198415
198517
198621
198714
198819
198925
199022
199128
199220
199322
199419
199520
199615
199716
199826
199912
200022
200113
200221
200324
200410
200520
200622
200722
200821
200912
201018
201115
201217
201319
201431
201525
201615
201728
201820
201926
202022
202129
202221
202334
202437