Clay Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Clay Name Meaning

Fact: The name Clay was also used to refer to people coming from a district of the same name in east Notinghamshire.

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A Deep Dive

Clay Overview

Meaning

Mortal, clay worker, the earth

Gender

Boy

Origin

English

Etymology

Derived from the Old English word “clǣg,” meaning “clay,” originally referring to a person who lived near or worked with clay.

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/kleɪ/

Popularity

Clay is popular in the United States and the United Kingdom. In 2023, it ranked #580 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

1 syllable

Length

4 letters

Numerology

5 (Visionary, Expansive, Adventurous)

Name Styles

Short, Nature-inspired, Cool

Associated Traits

Strong, earthy, natural, down-to-earth

Name Day

December 4 (Sweden), September 23rd
A Deep Dive

Clay Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Clayton, Clair, Claus, Clayson, Cleon, Clive, Clancy, Claudius, Clarke, Clarence

Common Nicknames

Clay, Claye, C, CJ, Clayo, Clayman, Claybear, Clayster, Clayboy, Claysen

Diminutives

Clay, Claye, Clayey, Clayo, Clayster

Famous People

  • Clay Aiken
    (American Pop Singer)
  • Clay Matthews
    (American Football Player)
  • Clay Walker
    (American Country Singer)
  • Clay Guida
    (American MMA Fighter)
  • Clay Travis
    (American Journalist)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Clay Jensen
    ("13 Reasons Why" TV Series)
  • Clay Morrow
    ("Sons of Anarchy" TV Series)
  • Clay Calloway
    ("Sing 2" Film)
  • Clay Beresford
    ("Awake" Film)
  • Clay Miller
    ("Friday the 13th," Film)

Places

  • Clay Town
    (New York, USA)
  • Clay Town
    (West Virginia, USA)
  • Clay City
    (Alabama, USA)
  • Clay City
    (Kentucky, USA)
  • Clay Locality
    (California, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Clay?

Clay means “mortal,” “the earth,” or “clay worker,” symbolizing a connection to the earth and nature. People named Clay are often grounded and dependable, with a practical and resilient personality.

What Is the Origin of The Name Clay?

Clay has English origins, derived from the surname “Claye,” which was a term for a person who worked with clay or lived near clay pits.

Clay Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Clay in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#6162021#6182022#5802023
Top 3 Rankings#2591961#2641960#2711894

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Clay

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023580
(+38 from 2022)
491
(+41 from 2022)
0.02681
2022618
(-2 from 2021)
450
(-1 from 2021)
0.02403
2021616
(+27 from 2020)
451
(+34 from 2020)
0.02407
2020643
(+38 from 2019)
417
(+41 from 2019)
0.02254
2019681
(+7 from 2018)
376
(+23 from 2018)
0.01957
2018688
(+6 from 2017)
353
(-2 from 2017)
0.01816
2017694
(+31 from 2016)
355
(+17 from 2016)
0.01794
2016725
(-5 from 2015)
338
(-4 from 2015)
0.01669
2015720
(+120 from 2014)
342
(+73 from 2014)
0.01673
2014840
(-112 from 2013)
269
(-52 from 2013)
0.01313
2013728
(-2 from 2012)
321
(-1 from 2012)
0.01589
2012726
(-8 from 2011)
322
(+6 from 2011)
0.01587
2011718
(+79 from 2010)
316
(+44 from 2010)
0.01556
2010797
(+151 from 2009)
272
(+59 from 2009)
0.01324
2009948
(-95 from 2008)
213
(-37 from 2008)
0.01004
2008853
(-78 from 2007)
250
(-31 from 2007)
0.01147
2007775
(-68 from 2006)
281
(-28 from 2006)
0.01269
2006707
(-53 from 2005)
309
(-21 from 2005)
0.01409
2005654
(-72 from 2004)
330
(-53 from 2004)
0.01551
2004582
(-104 from 2003)
383
(-136 from 2003)
0.01812
2003478
(-61 from 2002)
519
(-78 from 2002)
0.02470
2002417
(+10 from 2001)
597
(+24 from 2001)
0.02889
2001427
(-31 from 2000)
573
(-68 from 2000)
0.02770
2000396
(+7 from 1999)
641
(+38 from 1999)
0.03069
1999403
(-10 from 1998)
603
(-20 from 1998)
0.02957
1998393
(-14 from 1997)
623
(-19 from 1997)
0.03073
1997379
(-9 from 1996)
642
(-6 from 1996)
0.03214
1996370
(-27 from 1995)
648
(-66 from 1995)
0.03234
1995343
(+10 from 1994)
714
(+25 from 1994)
0.03550
1994353
(+90 from 1993)
689
(+195 from 1993)
0.03380
1993443
(+41 from 1992)
494
(+61 from 1992)
0.02392
1992484
(-25 from 1991)
433
(-32 from 1991)
0.02063
1991459
(-14 from 1990)
465
(-29 from 1990)
0.02194
1990445
(-1 from 1989)
494
(+43 from 1989)
0.02296
1989444
(-38 from 1988)
451
(-37 from 1988)
0.02152
1988406
(-4 from 1987)
488
(+22 from 1987)
0.02437
1987402
(+21 from 1986)
466
(+54 from 1986)
0.02389
1986423
(-5 from 1985)
412
(-4 from 1985)
0.02144
1985418
(+5 from 1984)
416
(+34 from 1984)
0.02162
1984423
(+1 from 1983)
382
(+9 from 1983)
0.02035
1983424
(+34 from 1982)
373
(+28 from 1982)
0.02002
1982458
(-3 from 1981)
345
(+12 from 1981)
0.01828
1981455
(-12 from 1980)
333
(-17 from 1980)
0.01788
1980443
(-12 from 1979)
350
(+5 from 1979)
0.01887
1979431
(-30 from 1978)
345
(-24 from 1978)
0.01926
1978401
(-19 from 1977)
369
(-52 from 1977)
0.02160
1977382
(-16 from 1976)
421
(-14 from 1976)
0.02463
1976366
(-1 from 1975)
435
(-19 from 1975)
0.02664
1975365
(+8 from 1974)
454
(+32 from 1974)
0.02798
1974373
(-20 from 1973)
422
(-50 from 1973)
0.02589
1973353
(+21 from 1972)
472
(+33 from 1972)
0.02925
1972374
(-22 from 1971)
439
(-81 from 1971)
0.02622
1971352
(+27 from 1970)
520
(+64 from 1970)
0.02860
1970379
(-2 from 1969)
456
(+24 from 1969)
0.02394
1969377
(+17 from 1968)
432
(+43 from 1968)
0.02362
1968394
(+9 from 1967)
389
(+28 from 1967)
0.02191
1967403
(-8 from 1966)
361
No change from 1966
0.02029
1966395
(-26 from 1965)
361
(-78 from 1965)
0.01986
1965369
(-41 from 1964)
439
(-132 from 1964)
0.02317
1964328
(-25 from 1963)
571
(-85 from 1963)
0.02817
1963303
(-15 from 1962)
656
(-49 from 1962)
0.03177
1962288
(-29 from 1961)
705
(-195 from 1961)
0.03354
1961259
(+5 from 1960)
900
(-4 from 1960)
0.04172
1960264
(+11 from 1959)
904
(+78 from 1959)
0.04175
1959275
(+9 from 1958)
826
(+103 from 1958)
0.03813
1958284
(+29 from 1957)
723
(+129 from 1957)
0.03355
1957313
(+26 from 1956)
594
(+109 from 1956)
0.02714
1956339
(+11 from 1955)
485
(+59 from 1955)
0.02260
1955350
(+38 from 1954)
426
(+86 from 1954)
0.02038
1954388
(+43 from 1953)
340
(+70 from 1953)
0.01643
1953431
(-4 from 1952)
270
(+3 from 1952)
0.01349
1952427
(+23 from 1951)
267
(+42 from 1951)
0.01353
1951450
(+47 from 1950)
225
(+45 from 1950)
0.01177
1950497
(+5 from 1949)
180
(+4 from 1949)
0.00990
1949502
(+3 from 1948)
176
(+5 from 1948)
0.00977
1948505
(+56 from 1947)
171
(+26 from 1947)
0.00959
1947561
(+42 from 1946)
145
(+31 from 1946)
0.00781
1946603
(+9 from 1945)
114
(+17 from 1945)
0.00691
1945612
(-27 from 1944)
97
(-13 from 1944)
0.00707
1944585
(-17 from 1943)
110
(-15 from 1943)
0.00792
1943568
(-15 from 1942)
125
(+2 from 1942)
0.00859
1942553
(+23 from 1941)
123
(+17 from 1941)
0.00873
1941576
(-66 from 1940)
106
(-22 from 1940)
0.00845
1940510
(+3 from 1939)
128
(+6 from 1939)
0.01079
1939513
(+33 from 1938)
122
(+9 from 1938)
0.01076
1938546
(-11 from 1937)
113
(-4 from 1937)
0.00994
1937535
(-26 from 1936)
117
(-7 from 1936)
0.01070
1936509
(+39 from 1935)
124
(+14 from 1935)
0.01165
1935548
(-3 from 1934)
110
(-7 from 1934)
0.01028
1934545
(-13 from 1933)
117
(+3 from 1933)
0.01102
1933532
(-8 from 1932)
114
(-9 from 1932)
0.01117
1932524
(+15 from 1931)
123
(+6 from 1931)
0.01145
1931539
(-16 from 1930)
117
(-14 from 1930)
0.01094
1930523
(+55 from 1929)
131
(+24 from 1929)
0.01160
1929578
(-60 from 1928)
107
(-28 from 1928)
0.00966
1928518
(-33 from 1927)
135
(-20 from 1927)
0.01183
1927485
(+43 from 1926)
155
(+24 from 1926)
0.01334
1926528
(-22 from 1925)
131
(-13 from 1925)
0.01144
1925506
(+2 from 1924)
144
(-7 from 1924)
0.01251
1924508
(+16 from 1923)
151
(+17 from 1923)
0.01292
1923524
(-82 from 1922)
134
(-55 from 1922)
0.01183
1922442
(+47 from 1921)
189
(+29 from 1921)
0.01680
1921489
(+9 from 1920)
160
(+13 from 1920)
0.01406
1920498
(+28 from 1919)
147
(+19 from 1919)
0.01335
1919526
(-31 from 1918)
128
(-18 from 1918)
0.01261
1918495
(+19 from 1917)
146
(+21 from 1917)
0.01392
1917514
(-20 from 1916)
125
(-8 from 1916)
0.01303
1916494
(-9 from 1915)
133
(+1 from 1915)
0.01441
1915485
(-19 from 1914)
132
(+25 from 1914)
0.01498
1914466
(-6 from 1913)
107
(+18 from 1913)
0.01566
1913460
(-4 from 1912)
89
(+14 from 1912)
0.01660
1912456
(-61 from 1911)
75
(+23 from 1911)
0.01661
1911395
(+142 from 1910)
52
(+24 from 1910)
0.02154
1910537
(-118 from 1909)
28
(-7 from 1909)
0.01343
1909419
(-6 from 1908)
35
(+2 from 1908)
0.01979
1908413
(-8 from 1907)
33
(+2 from 1907)
0.01984
1907405
(-59 from 1906)
31
(-5 from 1906)
0.01955
1906346
(+9 from 1905)
36
(+2 from 1905)
0.02499
1905355
(-1 from 1904)
34
(+2 from 1904)
0.02374
1904354
(+16 from 1903)
32
(+5 from 1903)
0.02310
1903370
(-33 from 1902)
27
(-6 from 1902)
0.02088
1902337
(+70 from 1901)
33
(+12 from 1901)
0.02486
1901407
(-70 from 1900)
21
(-20 from 1900)
0.01817
1900337
(+47 from 1899)
41
(+18 from 1899)
0.02529
1899384
(-96 from 1898)
23
(-17 from 1898)
0.01997
1898288
(+87 from 1897)
40
(+15 from 1897)
0.03028
1897375
(-23 from 1896)
25
(-5 from 1896)
0.02050
1896352
(-36 from 1895)
30
(-3 from 1895)
0.02324
1895316
(-45 from 1894)
33
(-9 from 1894)
0.02606
1894271
(+29 from 1893)
42
(+9 from 1893)
0.03363
1893300
(+94 from 1892)
33
(+10 from 1892)
0.02726
1892394
(+170 from 1891)
23
(+12 from 1891)
0.01750
1891564
(-262 from 1890)
11
(-21 from 1890)
0.01007
1890302
(+20 from 1889)
32
(+3 from 1889)
0.02673
1889322
(+2 from 1888)
29
(-2 from 1888)
0.02436
1888324
(+16 from 1887)
31
(+8 from 1887)
0.02386
1887340
(-19 from 1886)
23
(-5 from 1886)
0.02104
1886321
(+101 from 1885)
28
(+10 from 1885)
0.02352
1885422
(-116 from 1884)
18
(-14 from 1884)
0.01552
1884306
(+25 from 1883)
32
(+7 from 1883)
0.02607
1883331
(+106 from 1882)
25
(+8 from 1882)
0.02223
1882437
(-105 from 1881)
17
(-7 from 1881)
0.01393
1881332
(+71 from 1880)
24
(+6 from 1880)
0.02217
1880403
First SSA data recorded
18
First SSA data recorded
0.01520

American States Popularity Rankings for Clay

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#6722021#7982022#6712023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#7512021#7942022#7742023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#8692021#5192022#3972023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3872021#3202022#3672023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#5342021#3002022#4872023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#5182021#6592022#6812023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#7812021#7292022#6102023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#4252021#6612022#4902023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#11772021#8692022#5902023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#4252021#6002022#3832023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#3062021#5642022#4162023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#6332021#7042022#4662023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#6952021#6202022#6462023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#5862021#6042022#6182023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#4402021#4262022#4272023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#6892021#4432022#6352023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#4942021#4152022#6722023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#3152019#3942022#3382023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#9982021#12352022#13312023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#4342021#3802022#2452023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#6582021#4822022#6772023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#3882021#3582022#3502023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#6922021#6532022#4462023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#2282021#3632022#3082023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#3652020#5552021#4752023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#3662021#4102022#3672023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#4342021#6772022#4382023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#6052018#5052021#6642022

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#6962021#5632022#9382023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#5542019#4182021#6172023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2112020#3442022#2402023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#6522021#8272022#6172023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#4472018#3392019#3562022

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#2782020#3242022#3132023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3281998#2762000#3782004

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1922005#2412018#1472023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1812003#1852004#1972007

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#9942018#7342020#9452021

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1122002#2612017#2382020

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#4822002#6662021#6912022

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#941988#1161990#1051994

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1961961#1721964#1641974

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#2651997#3211999#3922001

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#2721962#3171963#3321986

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2431962#2101963#2621991

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2241954#2831958

Popularity Rankings for Clay in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3722003#3512005

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#4152017#3652019

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#3902020#4772021#4252022

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#6462019#6372020#5522021

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#5972019#6272020#5662021

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#9782019

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#12872019#10932020#13682021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Clay a Name for Boys or Girls?

Generally, Clay is a male name. Its Old English roots and association with earthy, practical work make it a traditional choice for boys.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Clay

Clay in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Clay Aiken (Pop Singer, 1978): An American singer, television personality, actor, and political candidate who rose to fame on the second season of "American Idol."
  • Clay Matthews (Football Player, 1986): An American former professional football player known for his time with the Green Bay Packers, where he was an all-time sack leader.
  • Clay Walker (Country Singer, 1969): An American country music artist known for his chart-topping singles and platinum-certified albums.
  • Clay Guida (MMA Fighter, 1981): An American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Lightweight division.
  • Clay Travis (Journalist, 1979): An American sports journalist, writer, lawyer, and founder of OutKick, a sports media company.
  • Clay Jensen ("13 Reasons Why," 2017 TV Series): A high school student who uncovers the reasons behind his friend Hannah Baker's tragic decision.
  • Clay Morrow ("Sons of Anarchy," 2008 TV Series): The president of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, involved in various criminal activities.
  • Clay Calloway ("Sing 2," 2021 Film): A reclusive rock star lion who helps save the day with his music.
  • Clay Beresford ("Awake," 2007 Film): A young man who experiences anesthetic awareness during heart surgery.
  • Clay Miller ("Friday the 13th," 2009 Film): A determined young man searching for his missing sister near the infamous Crystal Lake.
  • Clay Town (New York, USA): A town in Onondaga County, New York, known for its large population and suburban atmosphere. It is the most populous suburb of Syracuse, featuring various parks and recreational facilities.
  • Clay Town (West Virginia, USA): A small town in Clay County, West Virginia, known for its rich history and scenic surroundings.
  • Clay City (Alabama, USA): A city in Jefferson County, Alabama, offering a blend of suburban living and access to natural attractions.
  • Clay City (Kentucky, USA): A city in Webster County, Kentucky, characterized by its small-town charm and community spirit.
  • Clay Locality (California, USA): A locality in Sacramento County, California, known for its residential communities and proximity to urban amenities.

Similar Names to Clay

Sibling Names for Clay

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Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

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