What does Clifford mean and where does it come from?
Clifford is derived from an Old English surname meaning 'ford by a cliff'. It has been used as both a surname and a given name, more commonly for males but can also be found among females. The name became widely recognized through literature and popular culture, notably through the character Cliffor
Cultural significance
Clifford has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the cliff's ford.
Peak popularity
Reached #609 in 1883 — currently #827 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clifford?
Clifford works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clifford Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clifford Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clifford Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clifford Claire
French influence · crisp
Clifford Jane
Literary · strong
Clifford Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clifford right now?
Holding steady — currently #827 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #827 | 1,373 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #832 | 1,353 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #837 | 1,323 | ▲ up 6125 · +14600% births |
| 1985 | #6962 | 9 | ▼ down 1979 · -36% births |
| 1980 | #4983 | 14 | ▲ up 1514 · +75% births |
| 1975 | #6497 | 8 | ▼ down 1430 · -20% births |
| 1970 | #5067 | 10 | ▼ down 563 · +11% births |
| 1965 | #4504 | 9 | ▼ down 1770 · -55% births |
| 1960 | #2734 | 20 | ▲ up 1053 · +100% births |
| 1955 | #3787 | 10 | ▼ down 359 |
| 1950 | #3428 | 10 | ▼ down 503 |
| 1945 | #2925 | 10 | ▼ down 341 · -9% births |
| 1940 | #2584 | 11 | ▼ down 801 · -42% births |
| 1935 | #1783 | 19 | ▼ down 508 · -46% births |
| 1930 | #1275 | 35 | — |
The story of Clifford
Clifford has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. More than 189,549 babies have been named Clifford since 1880. Clifford is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Clifford in 1883:
Clifford by decade
Clifford peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,630 | |
| 1890s | 2,821 | |
| 1900s | 4,210 | |
| 1910s | 21,247 | |
| 1920s ★ | 31,690 | |
| 1930s | 23,327 | |
| 1940s | 25,971 | |
| 1950s | 30,006 | |
| 1960s | 19,396 | |
| 1970s | 11,857 | |
| 1980s | 9,654 | |
| 1990s | 4,301 | |
| 2000s | 1,895 | |
| 2010s | 1,412 | |
| 2020s | 132 | |
What are good nicknames for Clifford?
What names sound and feel like Clifford?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clifford also consider these
Common questions about the name Clifford
What does the name Clifford mean?
Clifford means "From the cliff's ford" — a name rooted in English 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 Clifford?
Clifford is currently ranked #827 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Clifford?
Clifford originates from English tradition. English 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 Clifford?
Clifford is a two-syllable name pronounced K L IH1 F ER0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Clifford a common or rare name?
Clifford is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.