Cliff
Cliff is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Cliff, steep slope, or riverbank.
Origin and history
Cliff originated as an Old English topographic surname given to someone living near a steep slope or cliff. It became popular as an independent given name as well as a short form for Clifford or Clifton. In the United States, it enjoyed steady mid-20th-century usage and remains a recognizable classic.
Popularity in the United States
9,307 babies in the United States have been named Cliff since 1880. It ranks #1251 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1695.
States where it is most popular
- CA (20.1 %)
- TX (15.7 %)
- NY (11.5 %)
- GA (5.4 %)
- FL (5.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 132 |
| 1890-1900 | 157 |
| 1900-1910 | 194 |
| 1910-1920 | 357 |
| 1920-1930 | 404 |
| 1930-1940 | 545 |
| 1940-1950 | 910 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,567 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,976 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,061 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,082 |
| 1990-2000 | 323 |
| 2000-2010 | 173 |
| 2010-2019 | 194 |
| 2020-2029 | 232 |
Famous people named Cliff
- Cliff Robertson: Actor
- Cliff Burton: Musician, Bassist
- Cliff Lee: Athlete, Baseball Player
Fun facts
- Cliff developed as a topographic name for individuals residing near a cliff or precipice before coming into use as a first name.
- While used independently, Cliff is also a long-standing diminutive for Clifford and Clifton.