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Clinton Boy

Popularity: #843 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKLINT-un / /ˈklɪn.tən/

English; Latin

Meaning

English: hill town; Latin: from the town on the hill

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Clinton has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "clīf" meaning "cliff" or "slope" and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." This etymological combination suggests a meaning akin to "settlement by the cliff." The name was originally used as a surname, which became common in England during the medieval period, particularly in the 12th century. It is believed to have been associated with various places named Clinton in England, including a notable village in Oxfordshire.

Historically, the name gained prominence through notable figures, such as Sir John Clinton, a military leader during the 15th century, who served under King Henry VI. The name also appears in the context of the American Revolutionary War, with George Clinton serving as the Governor of New York and later as Vice President under Thomas Jefferson in the late 18th century. The name's association with political figures contributed to its recognition and use in the English-speaking world.

Culturally, the name Clinton has been linked to themes of leadership and governance, particularly in the context of American history. The name has been borne by various influential individuals, including Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, who further solidified its presence in the political landscape. The name's historical significance and its connection to places and prominent figures have contributed to its enduring legacy, making it a name with deep roots in both English and American history. The diminutive form "Clint" has also emerged, reflecting a more informal or familiar usage of the name.

Trend Summary

Clinton has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the late 20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Clint

International Variants

  • Clinton (English)

Famous people named Clinton

Clinton Eastwood is an actor and filmmaker best known for Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, and the Dirty Harry series.

Clinton Kelly is a television personality best known for co-hosting What Not to Wear and for his work on The Chew.

Fictional characters named Clinton

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Clinton was first seen in the United States in 1880. Clinton has ranked as high as #247 nationally, which occurred in 1981, and has been most popular in California, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Clinton has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Clinton (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 10
48%
FL 6
29%
AL 5
24%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188079
188187
188279
188387
1884101
188582
188685
188771
1888101
188995
189090
189187
189284
189380
189480
189591
189693
189790
189892
189970
190091
190176
190292
1903106
1904109
190598
1906100
1907139
1908140
1909171
1910162
1911179
1912362
1913386
1914566
1915681
1916662
1917670
1918822
1919812
1920908
1921873
1922916
1923866
1924831
1925862
1926843
1927794
1928789
1929761
1930694
1931688
1932700
1933639
1934643
1935718
1936653
1937659
1938657
1939657
1940632
1941737
1942738
1943710
1944690
1945681
1946805
1947946
1948856
1949911
1950832
1951897
1952878
1953845
1954789
1955833
1956960
19571,092
19581,073
19591,124
19601,096
1961999
1962915
1963983
19641,017
1965919
1966826
1967908
19681,125
19691,480
19701,595
19711,486
19721,484
19731,511
19741,547
19751,578
19761,658
19771,869
19781,763
19791,855
19802,166
19812,206
19822,081
19831,900
19841,851
19851,693
19861,526
19871,362
19881,397
19891,354
19901,501
19911,665
19921,467
1993838
1994586
1995476
1996394
1997421
1998322
1999260
2000289
2001257
2002245
2003252
2004258
2005279
2006240
2007291
2008248
2009226
2010199
2011221
2012227
2013220
2014234
2015201
2016187
2017140
2018158
2019125
2020129
2021122
2022133
2023103
202481