Clifton is a unique and distinctive English given name that has gained popularity in recent years. Its origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was originally used as a surname.
The name Clifton is derived from an Old English word "clif" which means "hillside" or "slope," combined with the suffix "-ton" meaning "settlement." Therefore, the literal translation of Clifton is "settlement on a hillside."
Historically, Clifton was primarily used as a surname in England. However, it started to be used as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Clifton is considered a unisex name but is more commonly used for boys.
Some notable people with the first name Clifton include Clifton Davis, an American actor and singer, Clifton Collins Jr., an American actor, and Clifton Wharton Sr., the first African-American ambassador to Germany. These individuals have contributed to the popularity and recognition of the name Clifton in various fields.
The name Clifton has been a popular choice for parents in the United States since at least 1880, with over 70,000 babies named Clifton born between that year and 2023. The popularity of the name fluctuated throughout the years, with peaks and valleys in births.
In the late 19th century, the number of births with the name Clifton ranged from a low of 26 in 1883 to a high of 143 in 1890. However, the early 20th century saw a significant increase in popularity, with over 400 births per year between 1912 and 1917.
The mid-20th century marked another peak for Clifton, with over 1,000 births per year between 1946 and 1959. This period also saw the highest number of babies named Clifton in a single year, with 1,214 births in 1975.
However, since the late 1970s, the popularity of the name Clifton has declined significantly. Between 1980 and 2023, there were fewer than 1,000 births per year with the name Clifton, with a low of just 78 births in 2022.
Despite this decline in recent years, Clifton remains a timeless and classic name choice for parents in the United States. With over seven decades of data showing its enduring popularity, it is clear that Clifton will continue to be a beloved name for generations to come.