Rising since 2010, #3,583 for boys today.
Popularity of Clancy since 1914
Babies named Clancy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 17 |
| 1920s | 5 | 52 |
| 1930s | 0 | 16 |
| 1940s | 0 | 62 |
| 1950s | 0 | 106 |
| 1960s | 0 | 106 |
| 1970s | 90 | 135 |
| 1980s | 60 | 156 |
| 1990s | 156 | 200 |
| 2000s | 101 | 187 |
| 2010s | 100 | 214 |
| 2020s | 73 | 174 |
Meaning & origin
Clancy began appearing in U.S. birth records in 1914, but it remained an uncommon choice for decades. Its trajectory shifted notably after 2010, when the name started a steady climb in usage. By 2024 it reached its peak rank of 3,583, a rise that echoes a broader trend of Irish surnames being revived as given names. In 2025, the name's rarity continues: approximately 1 in 55,099 newborns are named Clancy. Geographic concentration is modest, with Texas as the top state for Clancy births. The name's resilient rise from obscurity reflects a modern preference for surnames with strong cultural roots, particularly those of Irish origin, which lend a sense of heritage without being overly common.
Clancy is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic surname Mac Fhlannchaidh, meaning 'son of Flannchadh,' where Flannchadh combines flann (red, ruddy) and cath (warrior). The name originally referred to a descendant of a red-haired or red-complexioned warrior. It has been used as a given name, particularly in Ireland and the Irish diaspora, and gained some popularity in the 20th century.
Where Clancy is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Clancy
Names that share Clancy's style, for a brother or sister.
