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NamyLab

Clay

female
Updated 6 months ago

Meaning

"Clay Soil"

An English surname and word name, it can also function as a short form of Clayton, reflecting associations with earth and land.

Themes:toponymicearthshortform
NatureNaturalUniqueRare

Fact-checked by Sarah Mitchell

B.A. Journalism, Northwestern University10+ Years Parenting WritingMom of Three • Parenting Editor

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Clay

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#15736Ranked in 2024

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#15736

Clay was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
New

entered the rankings in 2024

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

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Baby Name Lists That Include Clay

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Clay, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

17 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Clay mean?
Clay means "Clay Soil". An English surname and word name, it can also function as a short form of Clayton, reflecting associations with earth an
What is the origin of Clay?
Clay is of English origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Clay?
According to the latest SSA data, Clay is currently ranked #15736 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Clay a girl name?
Clay is traditionally a girl name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Clay?
Common nicknames can be formed by shortening or modifying the name. Check the Nicknames section above for specific suggestions.
What names are similar to Clay?
There are many names similar to Clay in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginEnglish
Syllables1
Length4 letters
US Rank#15736
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withC

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Girl Names Like Clay

Clay has English roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our English baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Clay appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Names That Mean Nature and Earth-Inspired Nature Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Unique Baby Names and Traditional English Names.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Clay pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Clay beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.