Clyde is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "Clyde," which means "the river." The River Clyde is a major river in Scotland, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean at Glasgow.
The name Clyde has been popular throughout history, with notable figures bearing this name including American baseball player Clyde Sukeforth and Australian rules footballer Clyde Larance. However, its popularity as a given name peaked in the United States during the early 20th century and has since declined.
Today, Clyde is still considered a classic and timeless name, often associated with its Scottish heritage and connection to the historic River Clyde. It may also evoke images of the iconic Clydebuilt ships that were once constructed along the river's banks. Although it is less common than it was in decades past, Clyde remains a strong and dignified name choice for parents looking for a traditional yet distinctive name for their son.
In terms of its meaning, Clyde simply refers to "the river," which can evoke feelings of fluidity, strength, and adaptability, as rivers are constantly changing shape while maintaining their essential nature. Additionally, the name Clyde may hold special significance for those with Scottish ancestry or who have a personal connection to the River Clyde.
Overall, Clyde is a classic and dignified masculine given name with a rich history rooted in Scotland's cultural heritage. Its simple yet meaningful origin makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name for their son.
The statistics for the name Clyde show a significant decrease over time, with peak years in the late 1800s and early 1900s, reaching as high as 117 births in 1915. However, by the mid-1940s, the number of births began to decline steadily, dropping below 30 annually from 1946 onwards. The most recent data available shows only 7 births in 1977. Overall, there were a total of 3932 births named Clyde during this period.