The Name Clint: Origin, Meaning, and Popularity

Clint is a classic masculine name with a rugged, cowboy-inspired vibe. Originating as a surname derived from the Old English word "clint," meaning "cliff" or "steep rock," Clint has grown in popularity as a given name over the past century.

Origin and Meaning

The name Clint has English origins, stemming from the Old English "clint," which referred to a rocky outcrop or cliff. This evocative word lent itself well to surnames, with the name Clint becoming a common surname for those who lived near or worked around such geological features. Over time, Clint transitioned from a surname to a given name, particularly catching on in the 20th century.

Clint can also be considered a diminutive form of the name Clinton, which similarly has English origins deriving from a place name. So while Clint has its own distinct meaning and history, it can be viewed as a more informal, nickname-like version of Clinton.

Popularity and Notable Name Bearers

In 2022, the name Clint ranked #1732 in popularity for newborn boys in the United States, with 27 babies given the name. This represents a modest rise in usage over the past decade, as Clint hovered around the #1800 rank in the early 2010s before climbing higher in recent years.

Clint experienced its greatest period of popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, when it regularly ranked in the top 500 names for boys. This spike in usage was likely influenced by the iconic film star Clint Eastwood, whose rugged good looks and action hero roles helped cement Clint as a quintessential "tough guy" name during that era.

Other notable bearers of the name Clint include:

• Clint Black, American country music singer-songwriter
• Clint Barton, the Marvel superhero Hawkeye
• Clint Mansell, English composer known for his film scores

Style and Impression

Clint is a classic, masculine name that projects an aura of strength, confidence, and ruggedness. It has a somewhat retro feel that evokes images of old Westerns and the golden age of Hollywood machismo. Parents drawn to Clint likely appreciate its straightforward, no-nonsense vibe and the sense of tradition and outdoor adventure it conveys.

Clint works well with a wide range of middle and last names, pairing nicely with both one-syllable surnames (e.g., Clint Ward, Clint Wyatt) and longer, multi-syllable options (Clint Fitzgerald, Clint Cunningham). Its sturdy, uncomplicated sound lends itself to versatile full names.

Suggested Sibling Names

Given Clint's classic, masculine style, here are some sibling name ideas that would complement it well:

• Jett
• Rhett
• Brooks
• Brock
• Grant
• Tate
• Milo
• Rhys