Clifford is a name of English origin that has been used since the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English words "clif" meaning "slope" or "hill" and "ford" meaning "river crossing." Thus, Clifford literally means "ford by the slope or hill."
The name Clifford was particularly popular during the medieval period due to its association with several prominent figures in English history. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Robert Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford (1275-1314), who played a significant role in the wars against Scotland and served as the Justiciar of Ireland.
Over time, the name Clifford has been adopted by various families throughout Europe. In some cases, it has been used as a surname, while in others, it has become a given name. Today, Clifford is still used occasionally as both a first name and a surname, though its usage has declined from its medieval peak.
Despite its historical significance, the meaning behind the name Clifford remains quite literal, referring to a ford located near a slope or hill. This simple yet evocative origin gives the name a certain rustic charm that may appeal to those seeking a unique and meaningful moniker for their child.
The name Clifford has been a part of the United States' birth records since at least 1880. In that year, there were 127 babies named Clifford. The number of births with this name fluctuated over the years, peaking in 1915 with 2741 births and dropping to an all-time low of 133 births in 2020.
From 1880 to around 1960, the name Clifford remained relatively popular, with a steady increase in its usage over time. However, from the late 1960s onwards, there was a significant decrease in the popularity of this name, with fewer than 500 births per year recorded after 1972.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Clifford has maintained some level of presence in the United States' birth records, with a total of 187,962 babies named Clifford from 1880 to 2022. This demonstrates that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, it continues to be chosen by parents for their children.