Clay
Clay is a boy name of English origin meaning “Of the clay ground”, pronounced KLAY. It ranked #573 in the United States in 2025, given to 515 babies, and peaked at #259 in 1961. Common nicknames: Clayo.
How popular is Clay in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Clay mean, and where does it come from?
Clay is an English topographic surname for a family living on clay soil, and a short form of Clayton, which means the same thing with a settlement attached. In the United States it carries a nineteenth-century political echo — Henry Clay, the Great Compromiser, was namesake to thousands of boys, among them the abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay and, indirectly, Muhammad Ali. The name has been in the records since 1880, peaked in the early 1960s and is rising again now, at home among the short, plainspoken names — Cole, Ford, Wade — that never sound like a trend.
How is Clay used around the world?
Clay is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Clay?
Famous People Named Clay
- Henry Clay — American statesman, Speaker of the House and Secretary of State
- Clay Aiken — American singer and television personality
- Clay Shirky — American writer on the social effects of technology
Similar Names to Clay
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Sibling Name Ideas for Clay
Looking for names that pair well with Clay? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Clay mean?
Clay is a boy name of English origin meaning "Of the clay ground." Clay is an English topographic surname for a family living on clay soil, and a short form of Clayton, which means the same thing with a settlement attached. In the United States it carries a nineteenth-century political echo — Henry Clay, the Great Compromiser, was namesake to thousands of boys, among them the abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay and, indirectly, Muhammad Ali.
How do you pronounce Clay?
Clay is pronounced KLAY. Common variations include Klay, Clayton, Cley.
Is Clay a boy name?
Yes, Clay is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Clayo.