Clyde
“Derived from the River Clyde in southwest Scotland, from the Cumbric word clud meaning 'hard' or relating to rough, turbulent waters. Clyde became iconic as a masculine American name through the early 20th century, often associated with rugged individualism and frontier spirit. It's a name that feels both grounded and adventurous.”
Clyde is a name of Scottish origin. Derived from the River Clyde in southwest Scotland, from the Cumbric word clud meaning 'hard' or relating to rough, turbulent waters. Clyde became iconic as a masculine American name through the early 20th century, often associated with rugged individualism and frontier spirit. It's a name that feels both grounded and adventurous.
Peaked in popularity during the early-to-mid 20th century in America; strongly associated with Bonnie and Clyde.
The name Clyde has roots in the Scottish language tradition. It derives from elements meaning “Derived from the River Clyde in southwest Scotland, from the Cumbric word clud meaning 'hard' or relating to rough, turbulent waters”.
Cultural context: Peaked in popularity during the early-to-mid 20th century in America; strongly associated with Bonnie and Clyde.
As a unisex's name, Clyde carries the character of its Scottish heritage while remaining a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents seeking something unique.
Clyde Drexler
SportsAmericanNBA Hall of Famer, 'The Glide,' 1995 NBA champion
An American professional basketball player and Hall of Famer who was one of the NBA's greatest shooting guards. He won an NBA championship with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets.
1962 – present
Clyde McPhatter
EntertainmentAmericanPioneer of R&B and soul music, leader of The Drifters
An American singer and one of the pioneers of rhythm and blues, known for his roles in the Drifters and as a solo artist. His emotional vocal style profoundly influenced the development of R&B and soul music.
1931 – 1987
Clyde Barrow
HistoricalAmericanOutlaw, leader of Barrow Gang, partner of Bonnie Parker
An American outlaw and robber who, along with his partner Bonnie Parker, led the Barrow Gang during the Great Depression. Their violent crime spree and dramatic deaths made them infamous figures in American criminal history.
1909 – 1934
Clyde Tombaugh
ScienceAmericanAstronomer who discovered Pluto, planetary science pioneer
An American astronomer who discovered Pluto in 1930, one of the most significant astronomical discoveries of the twentieth century. His work fundamentally changed our understanding of the solar system.
1906 – 1997
What does the name Clyde mean?
Clyde means "Derived from the River Clyde in southwest Scotland, from the Cumbric word clud meaning 'hard' or relating to rough, turbulent waters. Clyde became iconic as a masculine American name through the early 20th century, often associated with rugged individualism and frontier spirit. It's a name that feels both grounded and adventurous.", and is of Scottish origin.
Is Clyde a boy or girl name?
Clyde is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
What is the origin of the name Clyde?
Clyde is of Scottish origin. Peaked in popularity during the early-to-mid 20th century in America; strongly associated with Bonnie and Clyde.