Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Clyde is a name of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning 'river'. It evolved from the Gaelic 'Clutha' and has been used since the 19th century. The name conveys strength and a connection to nature. It does not have biblical relevance but is notable in history through figures like Clyde Barrow and Clyde Drexler.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/klaɪd/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Clyde is derived from the River Clyde in Scotland. The river's name comes from the Gaelic 'Clutha', which means 'the river' or 'the flood'.
Meaning
river
Language Evolution
Clutha, Clyde
Historical Usage
Clyde gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in Scotland and later in other English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
Clyd, Clide
Modern Popularity & Image
Clyde is often perceived as a strong and masculine name, commonly associated with nature due to its riverine origins.
Famous People
Clyde Barrow, Clyde Drexler
📊 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 3,164 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 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 | 67th of 7545 | 47,552 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 95th of 6773 | 40,019 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 168th of 7552 | 32,154 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 358th of 10718 | 8,075 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 648th of 16616 | 3,699 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1182nd of 24088 | 2,165 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 768th of 23106 | 3,861 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 662nd of 9107 | 2,138 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1202nd of 9204 | 706 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3123rd of 12526 | 269 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 9197th of 19264 | 56 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
5.30% 75th/1416 |
8.48% 117th/1379 |
1.65% 39th/2366 |
6.04% 69th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
7.31% 113th/1546 |
8.16% 127th/1556 |
2.63% 62nd/2353 |
7.63% 118th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
8.71% 194th/2227 |
8.93% 217th/2430 |
4.42% 126th/2853 |
6.99% 194th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
12.77% 375th/2937 |
11.66% 406th/3483 |
7.79% 274th/3518 |
11.47% 464th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
17.67% 651st/3685 |
16.16% 723rd/4475 |
10.36% 538th/5194 |
13.57% 857th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
28.87% 1323rd/4582 |
29.73% 1535th/5164 |
16.40% 1199th/7313 |
16.71% 1247th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
17.32% 690th/3984 |
22.20% 996th/4487 |
12.09% 825th/6822 |
10.91% 685th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
19.78% 468th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
37.36% 879th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
79.14% 2258th/2853 |
- |
| 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 West Virginia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation 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 too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female 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 female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 67th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 95th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 168th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 358th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 648th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1182nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 768th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 662nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1202nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3123rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 9197th out of 19264 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.