Holding steady.
Popularity of Claiborne since 1889
Babies named Claiborne per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Claiborne's real moment was 1909.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 23 |
| 1910s | 132 |
| 1920s | 194 |
| 1930s | 139 |
| 1940s | 150 |
| 1950s | 142 |
| 1960s | 97 |
| 1970s | 76 |
| 1980s | 84 |
| 1990s | 84 |
| 2000s | 47 |
| 2010s | 21 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Claiborne is a refined English surname name with a distinctly southern US flavor. First recorded as a given name in 1889, it saw its peak usage in 1909, after which its frequency declined and has remained stable but rare. The name has never reached the top 1000, reflecting its enduring status as an uncommon yet recognizable choice. Despite its low overall numbers, the name has a strong association with prominent families in Virginia and Tennessee, giving it a quiet aristocratic air. For parents seeking a distinctive masculine name that is still familiar, Claiborne offers a sophisticated option with the approachable nickname Clay.
Claiborne is an English surname derived from a place name, likely meaning 'clay brook' or 'clay stream' from Old English 'clæg' (clay) and 'burna' (stream). It has been used as a given name since the late 19th century, primarily in the southern United States. The name gained some prominence through early bearers in Virginia and Tennessee.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Clay
Sibling names for Claiborne
Names that share Claiborne's style, for a brother or sister.
