A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Clay since 1880
Babies named Clay per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 245 |
| 1890s | 292 |
| 1900s | 323 |
| 1910s | 1,015 |
| 1920s | 1,453 |
| 1930s | 1,188 |
| 1940s | 1,295 |
| 1950s | 4,336 |
| 1960s | 5,717 |
| 1970s | 4,330 |
| 1980s | 4,015 |
| 1990s | 5,806 |
| 2000s | 4,096 |
| 2010s | 3,266 |
| 2020s | 2,875 |
Meaning & origin
Clay is a short, sturdy masculine name that has maintained a steady presence in the U.S. since careful tracking began in 1880. Although its peak rank was 573 in 2025, its strongest historical popularity occurred in the 1960s, a decade from which it still sees revival usage. Over the past century, Clay has remained relatively stable, with a recognizable rise since 2008. The name is most common in Iowa, Missouri, and West Virginia, reflecting a heartland appeal. Despite its simplicity, Clay offers a grounded, earthy quality that connects to the landscape of English surnames.
Clay is a transferred use of the English surname Clay, which originated as a topographic name for someone who lived on or near a clay pit or area of clay soil. The surname is derived from Old English 'clæg', meaning 'clay'. As a given name, Clay emerged in the 19th century and has seen steady use, particularly in the United States, often as a short form of Clayton.
Where Clay is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Clay” around the world
Where Clay lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Clay
Names that share Clay's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Molly, Grace, Ella, Ruby, Hannah, Fawn, Garnet, Oaklee, Auburn, Mahogany, Sapphire, Tawny, Crystall, Pebbles, Prairie, Turquoise, Valley, Mahagony, Pebble, Shell, Aqua, Blayre
Brothers: Reid, Grant, Jack, Wade, Luke, Heath, Flint, Garnett, Ridge, Stone, Burke, Denim, Elder, Lake, Rock, Shade, Webb, Wright, Branch, Creek, Klint, Marsh, Moss, Brick, Calhoun, Hyland, Stony, Wood, Coal, Bronze, Brookes, Bruk, Fountain, Glenden
Names like Clay
Names whose popularity has moved with Clay's over the last 50 years.
