A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Clyde since 1880
Babies named Clyde per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Clyde's real moment was 1905.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 3,034 |
| 1890s | 3,625 |
| 1900s | 4,524 |
| 1910s | 19,864 |
| 1920s | 28,957 |
| 1930s | 22,452 |
| 1940s | 20,710 |
| 1950s | 17,906 |
| 1960s | 9,071 |
| 1970s | 4,381 |
| 1980s | 2,812 |
| 1990s | 1,686 |
| 2000s | 1,304 |
| 2010s | 2,493 |
| 2020s | 2,175 |
Meaning & origin
Clyde is a name most often associated with the river that runs through Glasgow. First recorded in U.S. Social Security data in 1880, the name saw its peak popularity in 1905 when it reached rank 28. After a long decline, it began rising again in 2002 and has been on a steady upward trajectory since. Today, about 1 in 4,880 boys are given the name. Top states for the name include Alaska, Montana, and South Dakota. Its revival suggests a new appreciation for sturdy, classic names, while still retaining an old-fashioned charm. The name appears in the top baby name lists for the 1900s decade.
Clyde is taken from the River Clyde in Scotland, which flows through Glasgow. The river's name is of ancient origin, possibly from a Celtic root meaning 'cleansing' or 'holy' way. It was first used as a given name in the 19th century, gaining popularity in Scotland and later in the United States.
Where Clyde 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.
“Clyde” around the world
Where Clyde lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Clyde
Names that share Clyde's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mae, Pearl, Ruth, Clara, Florence, Ardis, Ina, Larue, Maybelle, Retha, Syble, Ardyce, Arlena, Audria, Chere, Cleone, Cleora, Cordia, Kizzie, Lemon, Minta, Verdie, Vernette, Veta, Zona, Zula, Ardeth, Cledith, Clyda, Clydene, Clydia, Daphane, Desma, Elnor, Eola, Etna, Ireta, Jestine, Kae, Laveda, Lota, Lurena, Lyndia, Magaline, Marlyce, Merline, Rogene, Shelvy, Twilla, Vadie, Verba, Wyona, Arcola, Chlora, Clytie, Conda, Cybil, Ercel, Estelene, Floyce, Frona, Glenola, Lamona, Monteen, Odeal, Okla, Pearlena, Shere, Tangy, Teola, Veneda, Verdelle, Wretha, Clytee, Dama, Rayola, Arlyss, Burna, Challis, Clessie, Corretta, Delona, Delrose, Dula, Dulcy, Elzena, Ertha, Eulene, Flara, Floree, Gayna, Geneal, Gladiola, Ilamae, Loneta, Loriene, Manilla, Mayrene, Merian, Mliss, Murdis, Sydna, Twylah, Twylla, Verble, Waunetta
Brothers: Elmer, Chester, Otto, Oscar, Leroy, Byron, Dean, Leland, Alvis, Arlen, Audie, Berry, Boone, Burl, Delmer, Early, Evon, Felton, Garland, Jere, Mearl, Ruel, Sheldon, Ansel, Arlin, Arliss, Carlis, Coley, Cord, Garner, Gerome, Herb, Lem, Leverne, Merl, Murry, Obie, Orland, Ozell, Reno, Vann, Wyman, Bascom, Byrl, Carlon, Cline, Corda, Coye, Dodge, Haskel, Hillis, Hoyle, Irby, Izell, Jiles, Jud, Lendon, Loye, Melven, Murle, Opie, Orange, Orren, Oval, Pervis, Pinkney, Rockey, Troyce, Udell, Worley, Autry, Clent, Clete, Clydell, Crockett, Deloss, Denney, Duglas, Ersel, Estus, Eulice, Inman, Jabe, Julis, Layman, Lealand, Loys, Mingo, Morse, Norville, Ollen, Orlen, Orley, Redell, Royston, Ruble, Sebron, Thurl, Tilton, Trampus, Verdis, Verlan, Win, Burel, Hulan, Merlon, Argyle, Arvle, Berley, Berlie, Burch, Byford, Chevis, Claron, Cleaven, Cleburn, Cloy, Correll, Cottrell, Coyt, Curly, Denman, Dodd, Doren, Duell, Ferron, Floyde, Forney, Fount, Gailen, Herley, Ikey, Lomax, Mancil, Mort, Olis, Seaton, Trice, Twain, Ulus
Names like Clyde
Names whose popularity has moved with Clyde's over the last 50 years.
