What does Clive mean and where does it come from?
Clive derives from the Old English name 'Clȳf' which relates to geographical features. It was historically used in England and has been associated with notable figures such as Clive of India, a British military officer and colonial administrator. Clive has enjoying moderate popularity in English-spe
Cultural significance
Clive has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of cliff or river bank.
Peak popularity
Reached #792 in 1906 — currently #2398 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Clive?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Clive?
Clive works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clive Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Clive John
One syllable · timeless choice
Clive Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Clive Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Clive Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Clive Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Clive right now?
Falling — down 353 spots — currently #2398 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2398 | 57 | ▼ down 353 · -23% births |
| 2024 | #2045 | 74 | ▲ up 438 · +37% births |
| 2023 | #2483 | 54 | ▲ up 13 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #2496 | 55 | ▼ down 399 · -20% births |
| 2021 | #2097 | 69 | ▲ up 277 · +25% births |
| 2020 | #2374 | 55 | ▼ down 559 · -33% births |
| 2015 | #1815 | 82 | ▲ up 448 · +44% births |
| 2010 | #2263 | 57 | ▲ up 1942 · +171% births |
| 2005 | #4205 | 21 | ▼ down 134 · +11% births |
| 2000 | #4071 | 19 | ▼ down 626 |
| 1995 | #3445 | 19 | ▼ down 947 · -30% births |
| 1990 | #2498 | 27 | ▲ up 926 · +108% births |
| 1985 | #3424 | 13 | ▲ up 222 · +18% births |
| 1980 | #3646 | 11 | ▼ down 546 · -8% births |
| 1975 | #3100 | 12 | — |
The story of Clive
Clive has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 3,027 total births recorded, Clive remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1058 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2483 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Clive in 1906:
Clive by decade
Clive peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 40 | |
| 1900s | 35 | |
| 1910s | 190 | |
| 1920s | 270 | |
| 1930s | 371 | |
| 1940s | 265 | |
| 1950s | 220 | |
| 1960s | 143 | |
| 1970s | 100 | |
| 1980s | 156 | |
| 1990s | 200 | |
| 2000s | 289 | |
| 2010s ★ | 688 | |
| 2020s | 186 | |
💎With 3,027 total births, Clive is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Clive?
What names sound and feel like Clive?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clive also consider these
Common questions about the name Clive
What does the name Clive mean?
Clive means "cliff or river bank" — 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 Clive?
Clive is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Clive?
Clive 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 Clive?
Clive is a one-syllable name pronounced KLEYEV. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Clive sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Clive flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Clive ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.