Holding steady, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Sinclair since 1900
Babies named Sinclair per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1924, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sinclair's real moment was 1900.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | 0 | 13 |
| 1910s | 0 | 124 |
| 1920s | 0 | 198 |
| 1930s | 0 | 156 |
| 1940s | 0 | 120 |
| 1950s | 0 | 168 |
| 1960s | 0 | 105 |
| 1970s | 0 | 111 |
| 1980s | 5 | 164 |
| 1990s | 116 | 105 |
| 2000s | 117 | 41 |
| 2010s | 120 | 74 |
| 2020s | 119 | 56 |
Meaning & origin
Sinclair is a rare given name with a strong surname heritage. First recorded in the United States in 1900 (the peak year for its use), it has since held a stable but very low rank. In 2025, it ranked 6,143, with an estimated 1 in 122,005 newborns receiving the name. Its trajectory has been largely flat, never experiencing a significant revival. While the top states for the name are not recorded, its usage remains scattered. As a transferred surname from the Scottish clan Sinclair, it carries a sense of history and understated distinction. The name's uncertain meaning adds an air of mystery, and its unisex appeal makes it a choice for parents seeking something uncommon and versatile.
Sinclair is a transferred use of the Scottish surname Sinclair, itself a variant of Saint-Clair, a place name in Normandy, France. The name was brought to Scotland by Norman settlers in the 12th century and became established as a prominent clan name. As a given name, Sinclair has been used since the late 19th century, often for both boys and girls, though its usage has remained relatively rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sinny, Clair
Variants: St. Clair, Sinclear
Sibling names for Sinclair
Names that share Sinclair's style, for a brother or sister.
