Clint

♂ Boy

Pronounced KLINT /klɪnt/High

Meaning: Fenced settlement; hillside enclosure; short form of Clinton, from Old English Clint (a cliff, a rocky hill) + -ton (settlement)High

In 30 seconds: An English short form of Clinton meaning 'settlement on the cliff.' Associated with Clint Eastwood — whose stoic, squinting screen presence turned this one-syllable name into the archetype of American cool.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningFenced settlement; hillside enclosure; short form of Clinton, from Old English Clint (a cliff, a rocky hill) + -ton (settlement)

U.S. rank (2025)#2364 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births58 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1980

Total births (all-time)≈ 32,731

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Clint is a short form of Clinton, from Old English Clint (a rocky cliff or hillside) and -ton (settlement). As a standalone name it was popularized by Western film actor Clint Eastwood, who made it synonymous with laconic American masculinity.

Clint ranked #2439 for boys in 2024. Its use reflects tribute naming in communities honoring Clint Eastwood and the Western-film tradition.

Did you know? Clint Eastwood (born 1930) is both one of cinema's greatest actors and one of its most prolific directors — winning Best Director for Unforgiven (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004). At 93, he remains one of Hollywood's most active filmmakers.

Overall data confidence 87%

Behind the Name — Clint — Old English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Clinton

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Clint Eastwood (1930–present)
American actor, director, and producer. Two-time Best Director Oscar winner for Unforgiven (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004). Iconic for his Western and action films.

If you like Clint…

Flint— one-syllable hard-material name with the same rugged American character

Kent— one-syllable Old English name with the same crisp confidence

Brent— one-syllable English surname name with the same quiet strength

Brett— one-syllable surname name with the same Western-frontier feel

Trent— one-syllable English place-name with the same American frontier spirit

Explore names like Clint

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Clint mean?

Clint means 'fenced settlement on a cliff,' a short form of Clinton, from Old English Clint (cliff/rocky hill) + -ton (settlement).

How do you pronounce Clint?

It's said KLINT /klɪnt/ — one syllable.

Is Clint a boy or girl name?

Clint is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Clint?

Clint ranked #2439 for U.S. boys in 2024.