What does Cliffard mean and where does it come from?
Cliffard is a relatively uncommon name and is primarily seen in English-speaking countries. It may serve as a modern take on the more traditional name Clifford, which has roots in Old English. The use of '-ard' may imply a creative or modern twist on names, and it has been less frequently recorded i
Cultural significance
Cliffard has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of clifford, meaning 'ford by a cliff'..
Peak popularity
Reached #2517 in 1935 — currently #828 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cliffard?
Cliffard works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cliffard Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cliffard Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cliffard Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cliffard Claire
French influence · crisp
Cliffard Jane
Literary · strong
Cliffard Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cliffard right now?
Holding steady — currently #828 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #828 | 1,372 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #833 | 1,352 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #838 | 1,322 | ▲ up 1995 · +16425% births |
| 1940 | #2833 | 8 | ▼ down 316 · -20% births |
| 1935 | #2517 | 10 | ▲ up 1831 · +100% births |
| 1930 | #4348 | 5 | ▲ up 279 |
| 1925 | #4627 | 5 | ▲ up 106 |
| 1920 | #4733 | 5 | — |
The story of Cliffard
Cliffard entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 142 total births recorded, Cliffard remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4733 in 1920 to #828 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cliffard in 1935:
Cliffard by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 14 | |
| 1920s | 40 | |
| 1930s ★ | 43 | |
| 1940s | 34 | |
| 1950s | 6 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
💎Cliffard has only 142 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Cliffard?
What names sound and feel like Cliffard?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cliffard also consider these
Common questions about the name Cliffard
What does the name Cliffard mean?
Cliffard means "A variant of Clifford, meaning 'ford by a cliff'." — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cliffard?
Cliffard is currently ranked #828 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Cliffard?
Cliffard originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Cliffard?
Cliffard is a two-syllable name pronounced K L IH1 F AA1 R D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Cliffard a common or rare name?
Cliffard is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.