Clayborne is an uncommon English surname and given name of Norman origin. It is derived from the Old French word "claye," meaning "clay," and the Anglo-Saxon word "burna," which means "stream." Therefore, Clayborne translates to "stream of clay."
The name Clayborne has a rich history dating back to medieval times in England. The earliest recorded instance of the name appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as "Claiborn" in Lincolnshire. The Domesday Book was commissioned by King William the Conqueror and is considered the earliest surviving public record from medieval England.
Over time, the spelling of Clayborne evolved, with variations such as Claiborne, Claybourne, and Clayburn appearing in historical records. These variants may have arisen due to differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, or simply as a result of different regional preferences.
Today, Clayborne is still relatively uncommon but can be found throughout the English-speaking world. It is often used as both a surname and a given name, with some individuals choosing it for its unique sound and historical significance. Despite its rarity, the name Clayborne has a strong association with Norman and Anglo-Saxon heritage, making it an appealing choice for those interested in their ancestry or history.
In summary, Clayborne is an English name of Norman origin that translates to "stream of clay." With a rich history dating back to medieval times, this uncommon name offers a unique and meaningful option for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The statistics provided show the number of births for the name Clayborne in the United States from 1911 to 2008. Over this period, there were a total of 275 babies named Clayborne.
From 1911 to 1936, there was some fluctuation in the popularity of the name Clayborne, with years seeing between 5 and 10 births. The name seemed to gain some traction during the mid-1940s, with 8 births in 1947.
However, from the late 1950s onwards, the name Clayborne became less popular, with only a few births per year being recorded between 1957 and 2008. The most recent data point shows that there were still 5 babies named Clayborne in 2008.
Overall, while Clayborne was once a relatively common name in the early to mid-20th century United States, its popularity has declined significantly in more recent years. Nevertheless, it remains a unique and distinctive name choice.