Flint

Pronunciation: [ fl-IHNT ]

Boy Name #1,981 Most Popular Hidden Gem 1 Syllable

Sparks fly with this bold, elemental one-syllable name

English American

Bold Earthy Strong Minimalist

Meaning & Origin

"hard grey quartz, fire-making stone"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

"hard, unyielding"

Origin: Proto-Germanic

Language: Germanic

Things to Know About This Name

Associated with Flint, Michigan water crisis (since 2015)

The Story of Flint

Flint comes from the Old English word flint, referring to the hard grey quartz rock used since prehistoric times to create fire and tools. As a given name, it evokes the rugged, elemental qualities of the stone itself — durability, sparks, and the capacity to kindle fire from seemingly cold material.

Flint fits neatly into the trend toward strong, one-syllable nature names for boys. Its association with fire-starting and resilience appeals to parents drawn to names suggesting raw capability and toughness without being aggressive.

Flint was critical to human survival for millennia, used across every continent to make fire, weapons, and tools. The name thus carries deep associations with human ingenuity and survival. However, parents should be aware of the Flint, Michigan water crisis which dominated headlines from 2014 onward.

Fun Facts

Flint tools have been found at archaeological sites dating back 2.5 million years
The phrase to strike a flint gave rise to the idea of sparking ideas
Flintlock firearms, named for the mechanism using flint, were used through the 1800s

Flint in Other Languages

Dutch Flint

French Flint

German Flint

Spanish Flint

Famous People Named Flint

Flint Lockwood Fictional

Other

Eccentric inventor protagonist of the animated film Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)

Flint McCullough Fictional

Other

Scout character played by Robert Horton in the classic TV western Wagon Train

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 1
Popularity Rank: #1,981
Total SSA Count: 79
Cultural Origins: English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Nicknames

Fli Fly Fliie

Pairs Well With

Flint James Flint William Flint Alexander Flint Robert Flint Henry Flint Thomas Flint Everett

Sibling Names

Slate River Blaze Stone Reed Wren Sage

Similar Names

Glenn Brent Kent Lance Ken Ryan Granger Quinn

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Flint

What does the name Flint mean?

"hard grey quartz, fire-making stone" (from Old English). "hard, unyielding" (from Proto-Germanic). Flint comes from the Old English word flint, referring to the hard grey quartz rock used since prehistoric times to create fire and tools. As a given name, it evokes the rugged, elemental qualities of the stone itself — durability, sparks, and the capacity to kindle fire from seemingly cold material.

What is the origin of the name Flint?

Flint has Old English, Proto-Germanic, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "hard grey quartz, fire-making stone". In Proto-Germanic, it means "hard, unyielding".

Is Flint a boy or girl name?

Flint is primarily used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Flint?

Flint is pronounced fl-IHNT.

How popular is the name Flint?

Flint is currently ranked #1981 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Flint?

Common nicknames for Flint include Fli, Fly, and Fliie.

What are good middle names for Flint?

Popular middle name pairings include Flint James, Flint William, Flint Alexander, Flint Robert, Flint Henry, Flint Thomas, and Flint Everett.

What are good sibling names for Flint?

Names that pair well with Flint as siblings include Slate, River, Blaze, Stone, Reed, Wren, and Sage.

How many syllables does Flint have?

Flint has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Flint a common or rare name?

Flint is an uncommon name, ranked #1981 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Flint

Flint is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "hard grey quartz, fire-making stone" in Old English .

Flint is currently ranked #1,981 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Flint has 1 syllable and is pronounced fl-IHNT, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Flint include Fli, Fly, and Fliie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.