Clinton is a surname of English origin that has been used as a given name in recent times. It is derived from the Middle English word "cliton," which means "from the settlement on the hill." The name has also been associated with the French place name "Clitoun," which translates to "from the settlement on the hill."
The surname Clinton was brought to England by Norman settlers after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It became widespread during the Middle Ages, and many families with this name have traced their lineage back to these early times.
In the United States, the name Clinton gained prominence in the mid-20th century due to the popularity of former President Bill Clinton. Born William Jefferson Blythe III, he adopted his mother's maiden name Clinton after his father died before his birth. He went on to become the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001.
Today, Clinton is still predominantly a surname but has been used as a given name for both boys and girls in recent years. Despite its history and prominent figures, the meaning behind the name Clinton remains relatively simple and straightforward: it is a name that signifies origin and heritage, whether from a hilltop settlement or a family line stretching back centuries.
The name Clinton has seen a significant fluctuation in popularity over the years, as indicated by these annual birth statistics. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, there was a steady increase in births with the name Clinton, reaching a peak of 822 births in 1918. However, from the mid-20th century onwards, there's a notable decline in popularity, with the number of annual births named Clinton dropping below 300 by the late 1950s.
The highest point in recent years was in 1977 with 1869 births, but since then, it has steadily declined to reach just 24 births in 2023. This indicates a significant decrease in popularity for the name Clinton among parents in recent decades.