Clive
Clive is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Cliff or steep slope.
Origin and history
Clive originated as an Old English topographic surname referring to someone living near a cliff or steep slope. Historically popular in the United Kingdom, it gained broader international recognition through notable literary and historical figures. In the United States, it remains a distinctive, uncommonly given male name.
Popularity in the United States
3,336 babies in the United States have been named Clive since 1880. It ranks #2224 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1564.
States where it is most popular
- NY (37.3 %)
- CA (28.3 %)
- TX (12.7 %)
- WA (4.1 %)
- FL (3.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 5 |
| 1890-1900 | 40 |
| 1900-1910 | 35 |
| 1910-1920 | 190 |
| 1920-1930 | 270 |
| 1930-1940 | 371 |
| 1940-1950 | 265 |
| 1950-1960 | 220 |
| 1960-1970 | 142 |
| 1970-1980 | 100 |
| 1980-1990 | 155 |
| 1990-2000 | 200 |
| 2000-2010 | 289 |
| 2010-2019 | 690 |
| 2020-2029 | 364 |
Famous people named Clive
- Clive Owen: Actor
- Clive Barker: Author, Director
- Clive Davis: Record Executive, Producer
Fun facts
- The name originally denoted someone who resided near a high, steep rock face or cliff.
- Prominent author C.S. Lewis was named Clive Staples Lewis, helping cement the name's place in modern cultural history.