Clyde

♂ Boy

Pronounced KLYD /klaɪd/High

Meaning: From the River Clyde in Scotland, from the Brythonic/Old Welsh Clouta or Clota, possibly meaning 'the cleansing one' or simply 'the river'; the River Clyde gave its name to the industrial Clydesdale region and the Clydesdale horseHigh

In 30 seconds: Clyde is a sturdy, vintage name from the Scottish River Clyde with a cool, understated one-syllable swagger. From Bonnie and Clyde to jazz great Clyde McPhatter, it has a distinct mid-century American personality that is ripe for rediscovery.

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Origin HighScottish Gaelic, Brythonic Celtic

MeaningFrom the River Clyde in Scotland, from the Brythonic/Old Welsh Clouta or Clota, possibly meaning 'the cleansing one' or simply 'the river'; the River Clyde gave its name to the industrial Clydesdale region and the Clydesdale horse

U.S. rank (2025)#743 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births350 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 144,985

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Clyde derives from the Scottish River Clyde, whose name traces to Brythonic Celtic (the ancestor of Welsh) meaning possibly 'the cleansing one.' The River Clyde flows through Glasgow and was the center of Scotland's industrial revolution. As a given name, Clyde came to the United States through Scottish and Scots-Irish immigration.

Clyde was popular in the United States through the early and mid-20th century. The outlaws Bonnie and Clyde (Barrow) made it notorious in the 1930s, paradoxically keeping it in cultural consciousness. Clyde McPhatter, a pioneering R&B and rock and roll singer, gave it further prominence.

Did you know? The Clydesdale horse — the massive, majestic breed famous for Budweiser commercials — takes its name from the Clydesdale region of Scotland, named for the River Clyde. Clyde thus connects to one of the most beloved animals in American advertising history.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Clyde — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Clide

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Clyde Barrow (1909–1934)
American outlaw of the Depression era, one half of Bonnie and Clyde.
★Clyde McPhatter (1932–1972)
American singer, pioneer of R&B and early rock and roll.

If you like Clyde…

Wade— shares the crisp one-syllable vintage Southern/American masculine quality

Lloyd— fellow one-syllable Welsh/Celtic origin name with the same vintage mid-century American feel

Floyd— shares the one-syllable Celtic heritage and the same vintage American mid-century personality

Boyd— parallel one-syllable Scottish-origin name with the same compact, rugged vintage character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Clyde mean?

Clyde means 'the cleansing one' from the Brythonic Celtic name of the River Clyde in Scotland, the historic heart of Scottish industry.

How do you pronounce Clyde?

Clyde is pronounced KLYD /klaɪd/ — one syllable, rhyming with 'wide' and 'ride.'

Is Clyde an old-fashioned name?

Clyde peaked in the early-mid 20th century and has a warm vintage quality. It is being rediscovered alongside other short vintage names.

Who are famous people named Clyde?

Clyde Barrow (Bonnie and Clyde) and R&B pioneer Clyde McPhatter are among the name's most recognized American bearers.