As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

(origin: Dano-Norman. Local) Klint, a promontory, brow of a hill, cape; and ton, a town. Colonel Charles Clinton, the progenitor of the distinguished family of Clinton, and his associate emigrants from Ireland, settled, in 1722, in "Little Britain," Orange County, New York.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

CLINTON. The duke of Newcastle derives from Reinbaldus, who came hither at the Conquest, and assumed his surname from Gllmpton, (anciently written Clinton) CO. Oxford, part of the possessions granted to him for his services. Peerage. Some authorities make Eeinbald a De Tancarville.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.