Clifford
Clifford is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Ford near a cliff.
Origin and history
Clifford originates as an Old English habitational surname denoting someone who lived near a ford by a cliff. Historically popular in the early-to-mid 20th century, it is now a vintage classic with lower contemporary usage. It remains widely recognized in the U.S. due to its traditional roots and pop-culture associations.
Popularity in the United States
188,249 babies in the United States have been named Clifford since 1880. It ranks #194 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1164.
States where it is most popular
- NY (7.6 %)
- CA (6.4 %)
- TX (5.3 %)
- PA (5.3 %)
- OH (5.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 1,552 |
| 1890-1900 | 2,701 |
| 1900-1910 | 4,055 |
| 1910-1920 | 20,886 |
| 1920-1930 | 31,242 |
| 1930-1940 | 23,100 |
| 1940-1950 | 25,823 |
| 1950-1960 | 29,862 |
| 1960-1970 | 19,264 |
| 1970-1980 | 11,761 |
| 1980-1990 | 9,556 |
| 1990-2000 | 4,295 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,895 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,415 |
| 2020-2029 | 842 |
Famous people named Clifford
- Clifford Brown: Trumpeter, Musician
- Clifford Odets: Playwright, Screenwriter
- Clifford Alexander Jr.: Lawyer, Government Official
Nicknames
Cliff, Ford
Fun facts
- The name originated in medieval England as a locational surname for families living near a cliff side river crossing.
- It gained enduring cultural familiarity through Norman Bridwell's children's book character Clifford the Big Red Dog.