Clinton Boy
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
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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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 10 | |
FL | 6 | |
AL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 79 |
1881 | 87 |
1882 | 79 |
1883 | 87 |
1884 | 101 |
1885 | 82 |
1886 | 85 |
1887 | 71 |
1888 | 101 |
1889 | 95 |
1890 | 90 |
1891 | 87 |
1892 | 84 |
1893 | 80 |
1894 | 80 |
1895 | 91 |
1896 | 93 |
1897 | 90 |
1898 | 92 |
1899 | 70 |
1900 | 91 |
1901 | 76 |
1902 | 92 |
1903 | 106 |
1904 | 109 |
1905 | 98 |
1906 | 100 |
1907 | 139 |
1908 | 140 |
1909 | 171 |
1910 | 162 |
1911 | 179 |
1912 | 362 |
1913 | 386 |
1914 | 566 |
1915 | 681 |
1916 | 662 |
1917 | 670 |
1918 | 822 |
1919 | 812 |
1920 | 908 |
1921 | 873 |
1922 | 916 |
1923 | 866 |
1924 | 831 |
1925 | 862 |
1926 | 843 |
1927 | 794 |
1928 | 789 |
1929 | 761 |
1930 | 694 |
1931 | 688 |
1932 | 700 |
1933 | 639 |
1934 | 643 |
1935 | 718 |
1936 | 653 |
1937 | 659 |
1938 | 657 |
1939 | 657 |
1940 | 632 |
1941 | 737 |
1942 | 738 |
1943 | 710 |
1944 | 690 |
1945 | 681 |
1946 | 805 |
1947 | 946 |
1948 | 856 |
1949 | 911 |
1950 | 832 |
1951 | 897 |
1952 | 878 |
1953 | 845 |
1954 | 789 |
1955 | 833 |
1956 | 960 |
1957 | 1,092 |
1958 | 1,073 |
1959 | 1,124 |
1960 | 1,096 |
1961 | 999 |
1962 | 915 |
1963 | 983 |
1964 | 1,017 |
1965 | 919 |
1966 | 826 |
1967 | 908 |
1968 | 1,125 |
1969 | 1,480 |
1970 | 1,595 |
1971 | 1,486 |
1972 | 1,484 |
1973 | 1,511 |
1974 | 1,547 |
1975 | 1,578 |
1976 | 1,658 |
1977 | 1,869 |
1978 | 1,763 |
1979 | 1,855 |
1980 | 2,166 |
1981 | 2,206 |
1982 | 2,081 |
1983 | 1,900 |
1984 | 1,851 |
1985 | 1,693 |
1986 | 1,526 |
1987 | 1,362 |
1988 | 1,397 |
1989 | 1,354 |
1990 | 1,501 |
1991 | 1,665 |
1992 | 1,467 |
1993 | 838 |
1994 | 586 |
1995 | 476 |
1996 | 394 |
1997 | 421 |
1998 | 322 |
1999 | 260 |
2000 | 289 |
2001 | 257 |
2002 | 245 |
2003 | 252 |
2004 | 258 |
2005 | 279 |
2006 | 240 |
2007 | 291 |
2008 | 248 |
2009 | 226 |
2010 | 199 |
2011 | 221 |
2012 | 227 |
2013 | 220 |
2014 | 234 |
2015 | 201 |
2016 | 187 |
2017 | 140 |
2018 | 158 |
2019 | 125 |
2020 | 129 |
2021 | 122 |
2022 | 133 |
2023 | 103 |
2024 | 81 |