Recorded as Clinton, Clynton and the Gaelic MacClinton and McClinton, this is an Anglo-Irish surname. If English and also sometimes Irish, it is of locational origins from either the village of Glympton in Oxfordshire or Glintone in Northamptonshire. The Oxford village name was derived from the pre 7th century words "glyme-tun" meaning the settlement by the clear stream, and is recorded in the famous Domesday Book of 1086. Glinton in Northamptonshire was recorded even earlier in the year 1060 and as Clinton, although this also became Glintone in the Domesday Book. The translation is 'Farm settlement' from the Saxon word "glinde", meaning enclosed fields, and "tun", a settlement. In Ireland Clintons were original settlers from England in the 14th century, but it is said that the McClintons are a West Ulster clan who derive from the Gaelic surname 'Mac giolla Fintane' or the son of the follower of St Fintan, an 8th century saint. The English Clintons have been the earls of Lincoln and the dukes of Newcastle, and have for many centuries held lands at the village of Glympton. They also played a major part in the foundation of the British American colonies and later fought on both sides in the War of Independance (1776 - 1782). The first recorded holder of the surname is believed to be Geoffrey de Clinton, Chamberlain and Treasurer to King Henry Ist of England 1100 - 1135. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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