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Cliff Boy

Popularity: #883 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationklif / /klɪf/

English; Old English

Meaning

English: cliff; Old English: slope or steep bank

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Cliff is derived from the Old English word "clif," which means "slope" or "bank." This term was used to describe steep or elevated landforms, reflecting the geographical features of the English landscape. The name evolved from its Old English roots into Middle English, where it retained a similar form and meaning. As the English language developed, particularly during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, influences from Old French and Latin began to permeate English, but the core meaning of Cliff remained intact, associated with natural topography.

Historically, the name Cliff has been used as a diminutive or short form of the name Clifford, which itself originates from the Old English "Cliford," meaning "ford by a cliff." The name Clifford gained prominence in medieval England, particularly associated with the noble family of the Cliffords, who were significant landowners and played notable roles in English history from the 13th century onward. The name Cliff, as a standalone form, began to appear more frequently in the 19th century, reflecting a broader trend of using nature-inspired names in English-speaking cultures.

Culturally, the name Cliff evokes imagery of strength and stability, drawing on the natural associations of cliffs as enduring and formidable structures. This symbolism has contributed to its appeal as a masculine name. The name has been featured in various literary works and popular culture, where characters named Cliff often embody traits of resilience and steadfastness. Overall, the name Cliff carries with it a rich tapestry of linguistic history and cultural significance, rooted in the landscape of England and the enduring qualities associated with its meaning.

Trend Summary

The name Cliff has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Clifford

International Variants

Famous people named Cliff

Cliff Richard is a singer and actor best known for Living Doll, Devil Woman, and We Don't Talk Anymore.

Cliff Lee is a former professional baseball pitcher best known for his time with the Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners.

Cliff Bleszinski is a video game designer best known for creating the Gears of War series and Unreal Tournament.

Cliff Martinez is a composer and drummer best known for his film scores for Drive, Only God Forgives, and The Neon Demon.

Fictional characters named Cliff

Cliff Clavin is a fictional character from the TV show Cheers. He is a mailman known for his quirky personality and extensive knowledge of trivia.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Cliff was first seen in the United States in 1880. Cliff has ranked as high as #835 nationally, which occurred in 1959, and has been most popular in California, New York, Georgia, Florida, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Cliff has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Cliff (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
50%
NC 5
50%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18807
18815
188213
188310
188413
188514
188623
188717
188815
188915
189015
189112
189213
189317
189417
189521
189613
189716
189818
189915
190017
190115
190216
190319
190424
190523
190622
190718
190821
190919
191020
191121
191228
191316
191434
191558
191652
191741
191845
191942
192043
192146
192239
192349
192427
192537
192646
192740
192833
192944
193045
193147
193246
193344
193457
193559
193656
193764
193856
193971
194072
194169
194275
194374
194486
194597
194699
1947140
1948109
194989
195094
195167
195288
195392
1954127
1955148
1956147
1957247
1958248
1959310
1960251
1961280
1962229
1963262
1964230
1965174
1966151
1967128
1968124
1969147
1970157
1971130
1972104
1973110
197499
197580
197683
197789
197891
1979118
1980143
1981146
1982142
1983135
1984119
1985109
198682
198764
198870
198972
199053
199154
199247
199322
199425
199524
199622
199728
199827
199921
200028
200119
200214
200315
200414
200517
200618
200720
200816
200912
201019
201121
201213
201314
201420
201517
201619
201724
201821
201926
202047
202129
202233
202339
202441