Clyde Name Meaning, Origin & History

Name Meaning & Origin

Clyde

🔊 KLIDE  /klaɪd/

"Slow, near to the river"

(Old English) Origin Christianity Predominantly Male 📈 Peak 1920 👥 148,567 in US Christian Biblical Boy

Data last updated: 2025 SSA records

📖
Meaning
Slow, near to the river
🌍
Origin
(Old English)
👥
US Bearers
148,567
Life Path
Number 1

📖 What Does Clyde Mean?

Derived from Old English clif, meaning 'cliff' or 'near to the river'. This name was common among the ancient Celts and was borne by several saints. It is also the name of a famous American inventor, Clyde Dolan.

Root Element
Clyde
Core Meaning
"Slow, near to the river"
Language
English, Greek, Latin
Themes
Water · Strength

🌐 Clyde in Different Languages

🇬🇧 English
Clyde
Clyde means small river or stream

The name Clyde originates from the Hebrew and Greek roots, meaning 'small river' or 'stream'. It has been adopted in Christian tradition, symbolizing spiritual journey and divine blessings. Clyde has …

Personality of Clyde

Emotional Traits

Loyal Steadfast

Hidden Personality

Determined
Resourceful

🍀 Lucky Attributes

📅
Lucky Day
(Saturday)
🔢
Lucky Number
6
💎
Lucky Stone
(Amethyst)
🌟
Life Path
1

Lucky Colors

Red
Gray

Numerology: In numerology, the number 1 represents new beginnings and leadership. People with this name are independent and self-motivated.

🔢 Numerology of Clyde

C 3
L 3
Y 7
D 4
E 5
SUM 22
22
Life Path
Master Builder
5
Soul Urge
Freedom & Adventure
8
Personality
Power & Ambition

Life Path 22 — Master Builder: Exceptional potential to turn dreams into reality.

🕊️ Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural Impact

The name Clyde has a strong association with the ancient Celtic people due to its Old English roots. It has a sense of strength and solidity, suggesting a connection to the land and the natural world. In pop culture, the name is most famously associated with Clyde Dolan, an American inventor, who was a central figure in the 1972 film "The Poseidon Adventure". This film highlighted the name's connection to the water, adding to its cultural significance.

Spiritual Significance

For Christians, the name Clyde carries a spiritual significance due to its association with several early Christian saints. Saint Clyde of Iona, for example, was an Irish pilgrim monk who founded the monastery on Iona in the 6th century. Clyde's name embodies the early Christian ideal of living near the water - in this case, the Irish Sea - and remaining spiritually grounded. Additionally, the name's association with cliffs speaks to the idea of rising above life's challenges and keeping a firm foundation in faith.

📊 Clyde in Numbers

148,567 US bearers
1920 Peak year
Predominantly Male Predominant gender
Full statistics →

Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.

🗺️ Global Popularity

Overall Popularity Score 55/100
🇺🇸 United States
75%
🌍 Spain
41%
🌍 United Kingdom
68%

Historical Journey

🌱
Ancient Roots

Root element "Clyde" emerges in (Old English) tradition, carrying the core meaning "Slow, near to the river".

📜
Classical Period

Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.

⚔️
Medieval Period

Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.

🌊
Modern Adoption

Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.

📈
Today (2026)

~148,567 people named Clyde in the US. Peaked in 1920 with 3,164 recorded uses.

Famous People Named Clyde

C
Clyde Barrow
C
Clyde McPhatter

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clyde mean?

Clyde means "Slow, near to the river" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.

Is Clyde a good Christian name?

Yes, Clyde is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.

What is the origin of the name Clyde?

Clyde has (Old English) origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.

What is the numerology number for Clyde?

The Life Path number for Clyde is 22, associated with Master Builder. Soul Urge: 5. Personality: 8.

Is Clyde a boy or girl name?

Clyde is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 97% male and 3% female.

How many people are named Clyde in the US?

Approximately 148,567 people in the United States are named Clyde. The name peaked in 1920 with 3,164 recorded uses.

🔗 Related & Similar Names

Related Names

Clive meaning Clydebank meaning

Similar Sounding

Clayde meaning Clay meaning

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