Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Clyde
BoyScottish· “from the River Clyde”
- Meaning
- from the River Clyde
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- KLYD
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #743
- US babies 2025
- 350
- Best rank
- #50 (1883)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Clyde
Clyde is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “from the River Clyde”.
Clyde comes from the River Clyde, which flows through Glasgow in Scotland. The river's name is ancient and probably Celtic; it is often linked to a goddess name or to a word for washing or cleansing, but the exact meaning is uncertain. Clyde became a given name in the nineteenth century and was popular in the United States into the early twentieth century. Associations range from the outlaw Clyde Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde to the basketball player Clyde Drexler. Today Clyde has a vintage, easygoing charm.
Popularity over time
Clyde has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 131 different years. Its best national rank was #50 in 1883, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 3,069 were named Clyde. In 2025, 350 babies were named Clyde, and it ranked #743 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #68 in 1920, #136 in 1950, #420 in 1980, #1,016 in 2000, #1,268 in 2010, and #743 in 2025. Of the 144,994 US boys named Clyde since records began, 20% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 22,452 babies. Since 2010, 4,668 more have been named Clyde.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Vernon, Herman, Lewis, Milton, and Cecil.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Clyde ranked highest in Alaska, Montana, and South Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #171 | 5 |
| Montana | #181 | 7 |
| South Dakota | #265 | 5 |
| Iowa | #406 | 8 |
| Utah | #484 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Clyde is usually pronounced KLYD, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-de”.
Middle names for Clyde
A few middle names that flow with Clyde: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Clyde
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Lists that include Clyde
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Clyde mean?
Clyde is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “from the River Clyde”.
What is the origin of the name Clyde?
Clyde has Scottish roots. Clyde comes from the River Clyde, which flows through Glasgow in Scotland.
Is Clyde a popular name?
Yes. Clyde ranked #743 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Clyde a boy or girl name?
Clyde is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Clyde?
Clyde is usually pronounced KLYD. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings