Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Clinton is derived from Old English, meaning 'town on the hill'. It has evolved through various historical forms and gained popularity in the 19th century due to notable individuals. The name carries traits of leadership and influence, with no significant biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈklɪntən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Clinton derives from the Old English words 'clīne' meaning 'hill' and 'tūn' meaning 'town or settlement', suggesting a meaning of 'town on the hill'.
Meaning
town on the hill
Language Evolution
Clintone, Clinton, Clintonus
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, particularly due to the influence of prominent figures such as George Clinton, a governor of New York.
Variants & Derivatives
Clint, Clinty, Clintonian
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Clinton is often associated with political figures, particularly Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, which contributes to a perception of leadership and influence.
Famous People
Bill Clinton, George Clinton, Clinton Eastwood
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,222 peak births in 1981
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Wyoming
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 169th of 7545 | 13,226 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 200th of 6773 | 12,446 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 236th of 7552 | 17,851 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 179th of 10718 | 23,770 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 209th of 16616 | 22,297 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 747th of 24088 | 4,235 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1249th of 23106 | 1,833 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4757th of 9107 | 60 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4455th of 9204 | 73 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6387th of 12526 | 64 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5597th of 19264 | 143 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 9858th of 27321 | 98 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
13.14% 186th/1416 |
13.78% 190th/1379 |
6.34% 150th/2366 |
16.20% 185th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
14.10% 218th/1546 |
13.50% 210th/1556 |
7.56% 178th/2353 |
13.83% 214th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
11.05% 246th/2227 |
10.82% 263rd/2430 |
7.22% 206th/2853 |
8.65% 240th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
5.79% 170th/2937 |
7.87% 274th/3483 |
4.35% 153rd/3518 |
4.15% 168th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.56% 168th/3685 |
7.51% 336th/4475 |
3.12% 162nd/5194 |
3.89% 246th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
15.50% 710th/4582 |
21.82% 1127th/5164 |
8.68% 635th/7313 |
13.68% 1021st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
29.14% 1161st/3984 |
36.97% 1659th/4487 |
16.68% 1138th/6822 |
28.84% 1810th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Wyoming across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 169th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 200th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 236th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 179th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 209th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 747th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1249th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4757th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4455th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6387th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5597th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9858th out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.