Clyde
Clyde: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /klʌɪd/ · /klaɪd/
Meaning and origin of Clyde
Root meaning: “the cleansing one”
- A male given name transferred from the place name (the River Clyde in Scotland).
Etymology
From Scottish Gaelic Cluaidh, the name of a river in Scotland, of uncertain origin. Possibly influenced by clut (“the cleansing one”).
How popular is Clyde?
Since 1880, 3,932 girls and 144,994 boys in the U.S. have been named Clyde (3% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #366 in 1890. Its highest rank for boys was #50 in 1883. In 2025 it ranked #743 for boys, with 350 babies given the name.
More Scottish boy names
Sibling name ideas for Clyde
Sister and brother names that share Clyde's Scottish roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Clyde FAQ
What does the name Clyde mean?
Clyde traces back to a root meaning "the cleansing one". A male given name transferred from the place name (the River Clyde in Scotland). From Scottish Gaelic Cluaidh, the name of a river in Scotland, of uncertain origin. Possibly influenced by clut (“the cleansing one”).
What is the origin of the name Clyde?
Clyde is listed as a name of Scottish origin.
How popular is the name Clyde?
Since 1880, 3,932 girls and 144,994 boys in the U.S. have been named Clyde (3% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #366 in 1890. Its highest rank for boys was #50 in 1883. In 2025 it ranked #743 for boys, with 350 babies given the name.
Is Clyde a boy or girl name?
Clyde is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 3,932 girls and 144,994 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.