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Clay

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Clay

Updated: by MomsWhoThink Staff

Clay is a baby name that feels rugged and strong. That strength makes sense, however, as Clay was a surname in England associated with clay workers. Though once a top 300 name, Clay has descended to a top 700 placement as of 2020.

Meaning of the Name Clay

Clay originated as an English surname. These families with this last name typically worked with clay or lived near places primarily using clay. Some individuals even suggest that Clay could be a shortened version of the baby name Clayon, which means the same.

Clay means “clay worker” as the last name was originally intended for individuals working in this industry. If Clay is a shortened form of Clayton, it would mean the same thing.

Baby name Clay

Nicknames for Clay

Clay feels strong and powerful. It has a bit of a country tone to it, making it rugged. If you're looking for a nickname to accompany the Clay in your life, we've found some great options to get you inspired.

  • C
  • Ay
  • Lay
  • Cla
  • Aye

Clay Name Details

Style: Traditional

Gender: Clay is traditionally considered to be a boys name.

Pronunciation: KLAY

Syllables: One

Alternative Spelling for Clay

  • Klay
  • Clae
  • Clai
  • Klai
  • Klae

Clay Name Popularity

Clay was at its most popular when it was a top 300 name option from the years 1958 to 1962. The name was even rank 259, the highest it has ever been, in 1961. As of 2020, Clay is a top 700 name at rank 644 for boys.

Hard to choose or decide the name of new born baby, with “what name“ question on blackboard and woman’s hand holding positive pregnancy test

©Eviart/Shutterstock.com

Great Middle Names for Clay and Their Meanings

Famous People Named Clay

  • Clay Aiken (American Idol contestant)
  • Clay Buchholz (MLB player)
  • Clay Greenbush (actor, “Crash Drive”)
  • Clay Honeycutt (reality TV star, “Big Brother”)
  • Clay Hart (singer from “The Lawrence Welk Show”)
  • Clay Clement (actor, “Each Dawn I Die”)
  • Clay Bailey (character from “Xiaolin Showdown”)
  • Clay Morrow (character from “Sons of Anarchy”)
  • Clay Jensen (character from “13 Reasons Why”)
  • Clay(character from “Grant Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned” video game)
  • Clay (character from “Less Than Zero”)
  • Clay (character from “Pokemon” video games)
  • Clay Terran (character from “Ace Attorney” video game)

The image featured at the top of this post is ©New Africa/Shutterstock.com.

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