"from the River Clyde"
Origin: Scottish Celtic
Language: Scottish Gaelic
Clyde
Pronunciation: [ kl-EYED ]
Does Clyde flow with your last name?
A Scottish river name making a bold American comeback
Scottish
English
American
Vintage
Bold
Earthy
Strong
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"the cleansing one"
Origin: Brythonic Celtic
Language: Celtic
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Clyde Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde outlaw duo
The Story of Clyde
Clyde derives from the ancient Celtic name of Scotland's River Clyde, 'Clouta' or 'Clota,' meaning 'the cleansing one' or possibly 'heard from afar.' The River Clyde flows through Glasgow, one of Scotland's most important industrial cities. The name came into use as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in Scotland and among Scottish-American communities.
Clyde was a US top-100 name from 1880-1940, beloved in the American South and Midwest. It fell from fashion mid-century but is experiencing a vintage revival alongside names like Roy, Earl, and Earl as millennial parents rediscover grandparent-era names.
The River Clyde shaped Scottish industrial history — the 'Clydebuilt' ships made on its banks were world-renowned. In American history, Clyde is forever linked to Depression-era outlaws Bonnie and Clyde, an ambiguous cultural association that can read as either romantic or criminal depending on perspective.
Historical Record
Clyde first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 41,469 babies have been named Clyde in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clyde is past its peak , currently ranked #728 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Ships 'Clydebuilt' on the River Clyde included the Lusitania and the Queen Mary
- Clyde ranked in the US top 50 names from 1905-1929, making it a true vintage classic
Clyde in Other Languages
Welsh
Clud
French
Clyde
Spanish
Clyde
Scottish Gaelic
Clud
Popularity Over Time
#728
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1951
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Clyde
C
Clyde Drexler
Athlete
1962
NBA Hall of Fame shooting guard nicknamed 'Clyde the Glide,' played for Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets
C
Clyde Barrow
Other
1909
American outlaw who with Bonnie Parker became one of Depression-era America's most notorious criminal duos
C
Clyde (Pac-Man ghost) Fictional
Other
The orange ghost in Pac-Man arcade games, known for erratic movement patterns
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Compare Clyde with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #728
- Total SSA Count
- 359
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Nicknames
Cly
Clie
Clykins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clyde
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Clyde is also used as a girl name, ranked #24371.
View Clyde as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Scottish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clyde
What does the name Clyde mean?
"from the River Clyde" (from Scottish Celtic). "the cleansing one" (from Brythonic Celtic). Clyde derives from the ancient Celtic name of Scotland's River Clyde, 'Clouta' or 'Clota,' meaning 'the cleansing one' or possibly 'heard from afar.' The River Clyde flows through Glasgow, one of Scotland's most important industrial cities. The name came into use as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in Scotland and among Scottish-American communities.
What is the origin of the name Clyde?
Clyde has Scottish Celtic, Brythonic Celtic, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Scottish Celtic, it means "from the River Clyde". In Brythonic Celtic, it means "the cleansing one".
Is Clyde a boy or girl name?
Clyde is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #728. As a girl name, it is ranked #24371. Clyde is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Clyde?
Clyde is pronounced kl-EYED.
How popular is the name Clyde?
Clyde is currently ranked #728 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clyde?
Common nicknames for Clyde include Cly, Clie, and Clykins.
What are good middle names for Clyde?
Popular middle name pairings include Clyde River, Clyde James, Clyde Owen, Clyde Bennett, Clyde Douglas, Clyde Edward, and Clyde Ray.
What are good sibling names for Clyde?
Names that pair well with Clyde as siblings include Bonnie, Roy, Earl, Pearl, Ruby, Dale, and Vera.
How many syllables does Clyde have?
Clyde has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Clyde a common or rare name?
Clyde is moderately common, ranked #728 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Clyde
Clyde is a boy name with Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "from the River Clyde" in Scottish Celtic .
Is Clyde a boy or girl name? Clyde is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #728 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #24,371. Clyde is more commonly used as a boy name.
Clyde is currently ranked #728 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Clyde has 1 syllable and is pronounced kl-EYED, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Clyde include Cly, Clie, and Clykins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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