Clinton

Clinton is a surname of English origin and a toponym used for numerous places in the United States. The name appears in historical records as a family name and is associated with several prominent figures in politics and public life.

Notable people with the name include DeWitt Clinton (1769–1828), a governor of New York who promoted the Erie Canal; Bill Clinton (born 1946), the 42nd president of the United States; Hillary Rodham Clinton (born 1947), a former senator, secretary of state, and presidential candidate; and Chelsea Clinton (born 1980), a public figure and author. The surname is also found among athletes, academics, and other professionals.

Geographically, Clinton designates towns and townships across multiple states, and there are several Clinton Counties. Examples of towns named Clinton can be found in Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland, among others. The name is commonly used for both urban and rural communities.

In American political history, the Clinton era refers to the presidency of Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001, a period marked by economic growth, welfare reform, and changes in trade policy. Hillary Rodham Clinton has been influential in U.S. politics through her roles in the Senate and as secretary of state, as well as her later presidential campaign. The name Clinton therefore appears in geography, history, and public life in various contexts.