All about the name CLIFFORD

Meaning, origin, history.

Clifford is a name of English origin that has gained popularity over the years. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Clifr," which means "slope" or "hill." This name was often used as a nickname for someone who lived near a cliff or had a personality similar to one, such as being strong and steadfast.

The history of the name Clifford can be traced back to medieval England. It was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which is an extensive survey of England completed by order of William the Conqueror. In the book, Clifford is listed as a surname, but it is believed that it originated as a given name.

Over time, Clifford has been used as both a first and last name. It was particularly popular during the Victorian era in England, and it continues to be used today. Some notable individuals with the name Clifford include the American musician Clifford Brown, known for his jazz trumpet playing, and the British philosopher and economist Sir Alan Walters.

Overall, the name Clifford has a strong and historic background, making it a popular choice among parents looking for a name with a rich heritage and meaningful origin.

See also

English

Popularity of the name CLIFFORD since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The name Clifford has a fascinating history of popularity in the United States, as indicated by these statistics from 1880 to 1991.

From 1880 to 1899, there was an average of about 10 births per year with the name Clifford. The highest number during this period was in 1893, with 19 births. The lowest was in 1885 and 1894, both years with only 5 births.

In the early 20th century (1900 to 1929), there was a significant increase in popularity for the name Clifford. The highest number of births occurred in 1909, with 34 newborns named Clifford. The lowest during this period was in 1931 and 1932, both years with only 29 births.

The decade from 1930 to 1939 saw a continued popularity of the name Clifford, but it started to decline slightly compared to the previous decades. The highest number of births during this time was in 1939 with 22 births, and the lowest was in 1934 with only 18 births.

The trend of declining popularity continued from 1940 to 1969, with an average of about 15 births per year. The highest number during these years was in 1952 with 23 births, and the lowest was in 1965 and 1966, both years with only 8 births each.

The popularity of the name Clifford continued to decrease from 1970 onwards, with an average of about 10 births per year. The highest number during this period was in 1971 with 20 births, while the lowest was in 1973 and 1974, both years with only 5 births each.

In conclusion, the name Clifford experienced periods of popularity throughout its history in the United States, particularly in the early to mid-20th century. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, it remains a timeless choice for parents seeking a classic and distinctive name for their children.