What does Clifton mean and where does it come from?
Clifton is an English name often interpreted as 'cliff town,' derived from Old English 'clif' (cliff) and 'tun' (town). Historically, it is associated with towns in England, particularly Clifton in Bristol. The name has become increasingly popular in various forms as a first name, though it was orig
Cultural significance
Clifton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of cliff town.
Peak popularity
Reached #2047 in 1913 — currently #977 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clifton?
Clifton works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clifton Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clifton Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clifton Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clifton Claire
French influence · crisp
Clifton Jane
Literary · strong
Clifton Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clifton right now?
Holding steady — currently #977 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #977 | 1,223 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #982 | 1,203 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #987 | 1,173 | ▲ up 6602 · +14563% births |
| 1985 | #7589 | 8 | ▼ down 2057 · -20% births |
| 1975 | #5532 | 10 | ▼ down 1270 · -23% births |
| 1970 | #4262 | 13 | ▲ up 2160 · +160% births |
| 1960 | #6422 | 5 | ▼ down 1185 · -17% births |
| 1955 | #5237 | 6 | ▼ down 1544 · -14% births |
| 1945 | #3693 | 7 | ▼ down 466 · -12% births |
| 1940 | #3227 | 8 | ▲ up 1343 · +60% births |
| 1930 | #4570 | 5 | ▼ down 1656 · -55% births |
| 1920 | #2914 | 11 | ▲ up 543 · +57% births |
| 1915 | #3457 | 7 | ▼ down 1297 · +17% births |
| 1910 | #2160 | 6 | — |
The story of Clifton
Clifton entered American naming records in 1908 and has been in use for over 116 years. A total of 70,228 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2160 in 1910 to #977 in 2023. Clifton is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Clifton in 1913:
Clifton by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 456 | |
| 1890s | 815 | |
| 1900s | 1,202 | |
| 1910s | 6,176 | |
| 1920s | 8,811 | |
| 1930s | 6,893 | |
| 1940s | 8,201 | |
| 1950s ★ | 9,895 | |
| 1960s | 7,663 | |
| 1970s | 7,894 | |
| 1980s | 6,431 | |
| 1990s | 2,941 | |
| 2000s | 1,647 | |
| 2010s | 1,092 | |
| 2020s | 111 | |
What are good nicknames for Clifton?
What names sound and feel like Clifton?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clifton also consider these
Common questions about the name Clifton
What does the name Clifton mean?
Clifton means "cliff town" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Clifton?
Clifton is currently ranked #977 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 Clifton?
Clifton originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Clifton?
Clifton is a two-syllable name pronounced K L IH1 F T AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Clifton a common or rare name?
Clifton is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.