Find out how popular the first name Clay has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Clay by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Clay is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Clay being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 491 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Clay.

The history of the first name Clay

The name Clay has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the word "claeg," which means "clay" or "mud." This name is believed to have emerged in the early medieval period, around the 5th to 11th centuries.

The name Clay was likely given to individuals who lived near clay-rich areas or worked with clay, perhaps as potters or brickmakers. It may have also been used as a descriptive name for someone with a ruddy or earthy complexion.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Clay can be found in the Domesday Book, a historical record compiled in 1086 for William the Conqueror. This document mentions a landowner named Clay in the county of Derbyshire, England.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Clay. One of the most famous was Henry Clay (1777-1852), an American statesman and orator who served as the 9th United States Secretary of State and as a member of the United States Senate representing Kentucky.

Another prominent figure was Cassius Marcellus Clay (1810-1903), a Kentucky politician and abolitionist who was an outspoken advocate for the emancipation of slaves. He was also known for his role in the anti-slavery movement and his support for Abraham Lincoln.

In the world of literature, Clay Whittaker (1901-1943) was a renowned American journalist and author best known for his novel "The Web of Circumstance," which explored the complexities of human relationships.

The name Clay also has a connection to the world of sports. Clay Kirby (1945-2019) was an American professional baseball player who played as a pitcher for several Major League Baseball teams, including the San Diego Padres and the Cincinnati Reds.

Lastly, Clay Aiken (born 1978) is an American singer-songwriter and author who rose to fame as the runner-up on the second season of the reality singing competition "American Idol" in 2003.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have carried the name Clay, showcasing its rich heritage and diverse cultural backgrounds.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Clay was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Clay, please contact us.

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