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 #1738 in 2024 — currently #1907 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Clifton?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Clifton John
One syllable · timeless choice
Clifton Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Clifton Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Clifton Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Clifton Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Clifton right now?
Falling — down 169 spots — currently #1907 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1907 | 82 | ▼ down 169 · -14% births |
| 2024 | #1738 | 95 | ▼ down 761 · -92% births |
| 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 | — |
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 2024:
Clifton by decade
Clifton peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| 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 | 288 | |
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 KLIFT-un. 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.