Clay
How to say it: KLAY · /ˈkleɪ/
Old English occupational/topographic name for someone living near clay ground or working with clay.
Clay was the 497th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 515 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1990s, its births are up about 47% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #421 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #497 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 515 |
| Share of births | 1 in 5,534 |
| Peak decade | 1990s |
| Change over 10 years | +47% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #421 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Steady rather than showy, Clay has stayed in continuous use. Close to its high from the 1990s, it looks set to rise.
What goes with it
Single crisp syllable with a strong natural cast. Heath feels kindred and Wade could join it well.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Clay is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French.
Famous people named Clay
- Clay Aiken (born 1978)American singer-songwriter, actor, and record producer
- Clay Shirky (born 1964)American technology writer
- Clay Higgins (born 1961)American politician and reserve law enforcement officer
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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