What does Cliffton mean and where does it come from?
Cliffton is an English surname turned first name, signifying someone who hails from a town near cliffs. The name shows an affinity for geographical features, which was common in English naming traditions. It may reflect a person's connection to nature or their birthplace. The name has variations suc
Cultural significance
Cliffton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the cliff town..
Peak popularity
Reached #1106 in 1977 — currently #11048 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cliffton?
Cliffton works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cliffton Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cliffton Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cliffton Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cliffton Claire
French influence · crisp
Cliffton Jane
Literary · strong
Cliffton Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cliffton right now?
Rising fast — up 968 spots — currently #11048 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #11048 | 6 | ▲ up 968 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #12016 | 5 | ▼ down 1301 · -17% births |
| 2015 | #10715 | 6 | ▼ down 947 · -14% births |
| 2010 | #9768 | 7 | ▼ down 2614 · -30% births |
| 2005 | #7154 | 10 | ▼ down 2740 · -41% births |
| 2000 | #4414 | 17 | ▼ down 531 · +6% births |
| 1995 | #3883 | 16 | ▼ down 1375 · -41% births |
| 1990 | #2508 | 27 | ▼ down 1109 · -45% births |
| 1985 | #1399 | 49 | ▼ down 215 · -18% births |
| 1980 | #1184 | 60 | ▲ up 49 · +25% births |
| 1975 | #1233 | 48 | ▲ up 682 · +118% births |
| 1970 | #1915 | 22 | ▼ down 22 · +22% births |
| 1965 | #1893 | 18 | ▲ up 589 · +50% births |
| 1960 | #2482 | 12 | ▼ down 289 · -14% births |
| 1955 | #2193 | 14 | — |
The story of Cliffton
Cliffton entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 1,855 total births recorded, Cliffton remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3215 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11048 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Cliffton in 1977:
Cliffton by decade
Cliffton peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 39 | |
| 1920s | 46 | |
| 1930s | 31 | |
| 1940s | 73 | |
| 1950s | 181 | |
| 1960s | 200 | |
| 1970s | 412 | |
| 1980s ★ | 468 | |
| 1990s | 199 | |
| 2000s | 121 | |
| 2010s | 80 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎With 1,855 total births, Cliffton is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Cliffton?
What names sound and feel like Cliffton?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cliffton also consider these
Common questions about the name Cliffton
What does the name Cliffton mean?
Cliffton means "From the cliff town." — 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 Cliffton?
Cliffton is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Cliffton have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Cliffton?
Cliffton 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 Cliffton?
Cliffton is a two-syllable name pronounced K L IH1 F T AH1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Cliffton trending right now?
Cliffton is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.