"hilltop estate"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Clinton
Pronunciation: [ kl-IHNT-uhn ]
Does Clinton flow with your last name?
Presidential heritage from an English riverside settlement
American
English
Classic
Traditional
Strong
Vintage
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Meaning & Origin
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Bill Clinton, 42nd US President, and the political controversies of his administration
The Story of Clinton
Clinton is an English place name and surname, derived from Old English elements referring to a settlement near or on the River Glyme in Oxfordshire, England. The de Clinton family were Norman nobles who arrived with William the Conqueror in 1066. The surname migrated to the American colonies and became a distinguished given name through the prominent Clinton family of New York — particularly George Clinton, the first Governor of New York and fourth Vice President of the United States.
Clinton peaked as a given name in the United States in the 1940s-60s, riding the wave of presidential and distinguished surname names. It declined after the Bill Clinton presidency in the 1990s, as the political controversies of that era made the name feel dated and politically freighted for many parents.
DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828), the most famous American to bear the name as a given name, was the visionary New York governor and mayor who championed the construction of the Erie Canal — 'Clinton's Ditch,' which transformed American commerce and westward expansion. Clint Eastwood (born Clinton Eastwood Jr.) gave the name a gritty cinematic swagger.
Historical Record
Clinton first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 66,468 babies have been named Clinton in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clinton is past its peak , currently ranked #1,935 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- DeWitt Clinton championed the Erie Canal (built 1817-1825), which connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River and transformed American trade
- Clint Eastwood's full birth name is Clinton Eastwood Jr.
- Two Clintons served as Vice President of the United States: George Clinton (4th VP) and his nephew DeWitt's rival in NY politics
Clinton in Other Languages
French
Clinton
German
Clinton
Spanish
Clinton
Popularity Over Time
#1,935
Current Rank
Peaked 1981
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Clinton
B
Bill Clinton
Politician
1946
42nd President of the United States, known for economic prosperity, the end of the Cold War era, and his impeachment tri...
42nd President of the United States, known for economic prosperity, the end of the Cold War era, and his impeachment trial
C
Clint Eastwood
Actor
1930
Iconic American actor and director, born Clinton Eastwood Jr., famous for Westerns and films like Dirty Harry and Unforg...
Iconic American actor and director, born Clinton Eastwood Jr., famous for Westerns and films like Dirty Harry and Unforgiven
D
DeWitt Clinton
Politician
1769
New York governor and mayor who championed the Erie Canal, transforming American commerce and westward expansion
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Compare Clinton with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,935
- Total SSA Count
- 81
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Clint
Clintie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clinton
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Clinton is also used as a girl name, ranked #68443.
View Clinton as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (American)
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Hebrew origin
"divine reward"
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Old English origin
"descendant of Jenkin"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clinton
What does the name Clinton mean?
"hilltop estate" (from Old English). Clinton is an English place name and surname, derived from Old English elements referring to a settlement near or on the River Glyme in Oxfordshire, England. The de Clinton family were Norman nobles who arrived with William the Conqueror in 1066. The surname migrated to the American colonies and became a distinguished given name through the prominent Clinton family of New York — particularly George Clinton, the first Governor of New York and fourth Vice President of the United States.
What is the origin of the name Clinton?
Clinton has Old English, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "hilltop estate".
Is Clinton a boy or girl name?
Clinton is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1935. As a girl name, it is ranked #68443. Clinton is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Clinton?
Clinton is pronounced kl-IHNT-uhn.
How popular is the name Clinton?
Clinton is currently ranked #1935 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clinton?
Common nicknames for Clinton include Clint and Clintie.
What are good middle names for Clinton?
Popular middle name pairings include Clinton James, Clinton Lee, Clinton Edward, Clinton Paul, Clinton Ray, Clinton Scott, and Clinton Grant.
What are good sibling names for Clinton?
Names that pair well with Clinton as siblings include Preston, Lyndon, Grant, Barbara, Nancy, and Linda.
How many syllables does Clinton have?
Clinton has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Clinton a common or rare name?
Clinton is an uncommon name, ranked #1935 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Clinton?
Are there other spellings for Clinton?
Related spellings include Clint.
About the Name Clinton
Clinton is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "hilltop estate" in Old English .
Is Clinton a boy or girl name? Clinton is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,935 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #68,443. Clinton is more commonly used as a boy name.
Clinton is currently ranked #1,935 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Clinton has 2 syllables and is pronounced kl-IHNT-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Clinton include Clint and Clintie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Clinton include Clint . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis