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Clifford Boy

Popularity: #782 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationKLIF-erd / /ˈklɪf.ərd/

English

Meaning

Cliffside; ford by a cliff

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Clifford has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "clif," meaning "cliff," and "ford," meaning "river crossing." This etymology suggests a geographical origin, likely referring to a settlement near a cliff by a river crossing. The name can be traced back to the early medieval period in England, where it appeared in various forms, including Cliford and Cliforde, as surnames before evolving into a given name. The transition into a first name occurred as surnames became increasingly used as personal identifiers during the late Middle Ages.

One notable historical milestone associated with the name is the 12th-century figure Clifford de Clifford, a Norman nobleman who held lands in Yorkshire. The name gained further prominence through the 14th-century English noble family, the Cliffords, who were significant landowners and played a role in the Wars of the Roses. The family's involvement in English history, particularly during the 15th century, helped solidify the name's presence in the cultural landscape of England.

Culturally, the name Clifford has been associated with strength and stability, reflective of its geographical roots. The imagery of cliffs and river crossings evokes notions of resilience and endurance, qualities that have contributed to the name's lasting appeal. Additionally, the diminutive form "Cliff" has emerged as a familiar variant, often used in informal contexts. Overall, the name Clifford carries a rich historical and cultural significance, rooted in the landscape of England and its noble heritage.

Trend Summary

Clifford has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable peak in the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Cliff
  • Cliffie

International Variants

Famous people named Clifford

Clifford Brown is a jazz trumpeter best known for his work with the Max Roach Quintet, his recordings as a bandleader, and the album 'Study in Brown'.

Clifford Geertz was an anthropologist best known for his works 'The Interpretation of Cultures', 'Agricultural Involution', and 'Local Knowledge'.

Clifford Odets was a playwright and screenwriter best known for 'Waiting for Lefty', 'Awake and Sing!', and 'Golden Boy'.

Clifford Stoll is an astronomer and author best known for 'The Cuckoo's Egg', 'Silicon Snake Oil', and his work in computer security.

Fictional characters named Clifford

Clifford the Big Red Dog is a fictional character from the children's book series Clifford the Big Red Dog. He is a giant red dog who embarks on various adventures with his owner, Emily Elizabeth.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Clifford was first seen in the United States in 1880. Clifford has ranked as high as #140 nationally, which occurred in 1925, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Clifford has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Clifford (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 14
17%
TX 10
12%
WI 8
10%
NY 7
8%
MO 6
7%
OH 6
7%
FL 6
7%
GA 6
7%
IL 6
7%
MN 5
6%
AR 5
6%
SC 5
6%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880127
1881110
1882155
1883138
1884150
1885139
1886172
1887165
1888194
1889202
1890207
1891196
1892240
1893269
1894307
1895272
1896311
1897285
1898317
1899297
1900409
1901282
1902326
1903348
1904361
1905420
1906413
1907445
1908515
1909536
1910551
1911694
19121,345
19131,520
19141,960
19152,741
19162,767
19172,969
19183,299
19193,040
19203,291
19213,262
19223,157
19233,106
19243,250
19253,424
19263,190
19273,031
19282,862
19292,669
19302,697
19312,451
19322,286
19332,158
19342,315
19352,265
19362,132
19372,230
19382,276
19392,291
19402,185
19412,363
19422,533
19432,666
19442,394
19452,384
19462,616
19472,990
19482,793
19492,898
19502,941
19513,160
19523,317
19533,157
19543,141
19552,995
19562,911
19572,893
19582,810
19592,536
19602,463
19612,341
19622,183
19632,198
19642,019
19651,821
19661,611
19671,513
19681,608
19691,506
19701,582
19711,382
19721,268
19731,175
19741,149
19751,124
19761,065
1977972
19781,002
19791,045
19801,214
19811,178
19821,141
1983974
1984997
1985894
1986866
1987754
1988764
1989774
1990700
1991584
1992538
1993475
1994402
1995357
1996356
1997323
1998267
1999293
2000224
2001238
2002197
2003175
2004215
2005190
2006168
2007181
2008163
2009144
2010143
2011135
2012138
2013138
2014119
2015147
2016138
2017160
2018144
2019153
2020133
2021150
2022152
2023124
2024142