Origin
English; derived from Old English 'Clint', meaning 'fence' or 'enclosure'. It was originally a surname, often given to someone who lived near a fence or boundary. The name gained popularity in Australia in the late 20th century, partly due to cultural influences and notable Australian figures.
Meaning
Literal meaning: 'fence' or 'enclosure'. In Australian context, it can symbolise protection, boundary, or a connection to rural landscapes and outdoor life.
Pronunciation
/klɪnt/ (kirnt) – with emphasis on the first syllable, y'know, as Australians typically say it, sounding like 'khlint'.—This reflects typical Australian pronunciation, which can be slightly more relaxed than British or American English.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Clinten (less common), Clinto (rare)
- original spelling: Clint
- related forms: Clinten
Nicknames
- Clintie
- Clinty
Name Days
- 19 October (Feast of Saint Evaristus, Latin Catholic)
- 5 November (All Souls' Day; observed in some Anglican communities) — traditional observances in some Australian Christian communities, though not widely observed specifically for the name 'Clint'. The name does not have a dedicated international or Australian recognised name day.
- Māori and Aboriginal cultural observances are not associated with this name.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with clint:
- Jack and Charlie
- Liam and Noah','James and Oliver','Hunter and Blake (popular in Australian rural and coastal communities)
- Middle name options: James, William, John, Jack
Fun Facts
- The name gained popularity in Australia partly due to actor Clint Eastwood, influencing its usage in popular culture.
- Clint is a relatively modern name in Australia, rising in popularity from the 1970s onwards.
- There are several Australian sportsmen and entertainers with the name, reflecting its casual, rugged appeal.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name clint:
- Robust
- Adventurous
- Loyal
- Practical
- Outdoorsy
Aesthetic Qualities
Simple, strong, and straightforward typographically, the name 'Clint' looks balanced and clean, appealing in casual and formal contexts alike in Australia.
Geographical Distribution
More common in rural and coastal regions of Australia such as Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia, where traditional, Western names often resonate with local identities.
Numerological Significance
Name number: 3 (based on Pythagorean numerology), often associated with creativity, communication, and social interactions—traits valued in Australian social settings.
Astrological Connections
No specific zodiac association, but if born under Gemini or Leo, the name's energetic and bold connotations align well with these signs' traits in astrology.
Historical Context
Traditionally, the name Clint has not been associated with historical figures in Australia, but it has become popular among contemporary figures in sports, media, and entertainment. It often evokes a rugged, outdoorsy Australian masculinity.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name is quite adaptable across languages, typically transliterated as 'Clint' in most Latin-based scripts, with minor adaptations in non-Latin scripts.
Famous People Named clint
- Clint Eastwood — American actor and director (internationally renowned, popular in Australian media)
- Clint Ned (Australian rugby league player)
- Clint Bizzell (Australian musician and songwriter)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
1982 | 132 |
1981 | 140 |
1980 | 79 |
1979 | 38 |
1978 | 41 |