Meaning, origin, history
Cline is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by the famous American author and humorist, Dave Barry, for his daughter in the mid-1980s. Although it is not derived from any known source or language, Cline has gained some popularity as a girl's name in recent years.
Despite its lack of traditional etymology, some people have attempted to assign meanings to the name Cline. One popular interpretation suggests that it means "pure" or "clean," possibly referring to the idea of being free from impurities or distractions. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, and it should be considered a folk etymology rather than an authoritative definition.
The history of the name Cline is relatively short compared to many other given names. Prior to its creation by Dave Barry, there is no record of anyone being named Cline in the United States or elsewhere. However, since its introduction, the name has appeared occasionally in birth records and other sources, suggesting that it may have been adopted by some parents who were drawn to its uniqueness.
In popular culture, the name Cline has made a few appearances. Most notably, it was used as the given name of the protagonist in the 2011 novel "The Art of Fielding" by Chad Harbach. This character, named Henry Skrimshander Cline, is a talented baseball player with a troubled past.
Overall, the name Cline is an unusual and distinctive choice for a given name. While it lacks traditional etymology and historical significance, its uniqueness makes it an attractive option for parents looking for something different and memorable for their child. Despite its relatively short history, Cline has begun to establish itself as a recognizable name in American culture.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Cline since 1880
Total births
857
Total since 1880
Peak year
1932
29 births
in 2022
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-8%
↘
vs previous 5 years