How to pronounce the name Clay
Pronunciation guide for Clay
ARPA
K L EY1
IPA
kleɪ

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Clay

Syllables (1)

K L EY1

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

K
key (k)
L
lee (l)
EY1
ate (eɪ)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

kleɪ

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• This is a single-syllable name, pronounced in one smooth sound.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Clay

Structure

Character Count
4
Syllable Count
1
Vowel Ratio
25%
Name Family
clay

Usability

International Friendliness10/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name Clay
Unique character and personality of the name Clay

Name Personality

The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern

Key Characteristics

Length
Short

Concise and memorable

Rhythm
Monosyllabic

Simple and direct

Sound
Strong

Consonant-rich and crisp

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
clay

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

c×1
l×1
a×1

Most frequent letters in Clay

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
1 syllable
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
What does the name Clay mean?
The meaning and origin of Clay

The name Clay has no known meanings.

Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Clay

Life Path Number

5
The Explorer

Dynamic personalities who thrive on change, freedom, and new experiences.

Adventurous
Adaptable
Free-spirited
Curious

Most Common Letters

c×1
l×1
a×1
y×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
1(25%)
Consonants
3(75%)

Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong

Numerology Breakdown

c3
l3
a1
y7

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Clay
Famous individuals named Clay

No notable people named Clay are currently in our database.

Where is Clay popular?
Countries where Clay ranks in the top baby names
How popular is the name Clay?
Popularity rankings and trends for Clay around the world
Clay Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Clay

Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)

Clay Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Clay

Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)

Country Comparison
How Clay ranks across different countries

Showing top 1 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)

Parents who like Clay also like these names
Names similar to Clay in style, sound, and origin

No similar names found for Clay.

Try our Name Generator instead
What words rhyme with the name Clay?
Rhyming words for Clay

No rhyming words found for Clay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How popular is Clay in United States?
Clay is used but uncommon in United States as of 2024, ranking at #543. While it is used as a boys' name, it's relatively uncommon.
How do you pronounce Clay?
IPA: /kleɪ/ ARPA: K L EY1
How many syllables are in Clay?
Clay has 1 syllable.
Is Clay easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Clay is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Is Clay a good baby name?
Clay is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Clay a boy or girl name?
Clay can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Clay?
The name is spelled C-l-a-y. This is the standard spelling of the name.
What does the name Clay mean?
The name Clay has various meanings depending on cultural origin. Names often carry rich cultural, historical, and linguistic significance passed down through generations. Different cultures and languages may attribute different meanings to the same name, reflecting diverse traditions and histories.
What middle names go well with Clay?
Middle names that pair well with Clay include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What culture is the name Clay from?
Clay has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Clay suitable for a professional career?
Clay works well professionally - it's internationally friendly for global careers. While name perception exists, professional success depends primarily on skills, work ethic, and personal qualities rather than name choice.
Is Clay a long or short name?
Clay is a very short name with 4 letters (1 syllable). Short names are easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. They work well for children who are learning to write their names.