Clifton is a name of English origin that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "clif" which means "slope" or "hill". The name Clifton therefore translates to "from the hill settlement".
The earliest known use of the name Clifton can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period, around the 8th century AD. During this time, many places in England were named after their geographical features, and it is believed that a town or settlement located on a hill was given the name Clifton.
Over time, the name Clifton has evolved from being purely geographical to having more of a personal connotation. In the Middle Ages, it became a surname for people who lived near a cliff or hill, and eventually, it started being used as a given name as well.
Today, Clifton is often associated with the American city of Cincinnati, Ohio, which has a neighborhood called Clifton. However, despite its geographical roots, the name Clifton has become more widely recognized as a personal name in recent years, particularly among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children.
In conclusion, Clifton is an English name with a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. Its meaning, "from the hill settlement," adds a sense of strength and stability to the name, making it a great choice for those seeking a distinctive yet meaningful moniker.
The name Clifton has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1908 and 2019, there were a total of 436 babies named Clifton.
The most popular decade for the name Clifton was the 1970s, with a combined total of 55 births throughout the decade. The peak year for the name Clifton was in 1970, with a notable 13 births that year.
However, the name Clifton has been on a steady decline since the 1980s. There were only 6 births in both 1981 and 1983, and this trend of fewer than 10 births per year has continued into recent years.
Despite its fluctuating popularity over time, the name Clifton still holds a unique place in American naming history, with each birth representing a new individual with their own story to tell.