All about the name CLIFORD

Meaning, origin, history.

Cliford is a masculine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English elements "clif" meaning "slope" or "hill," and "ford" which signifies "shallow water crossing." Thus, the name Cliford translates to "ford by the hill."

The use of the name Cliford dates back to medieval times in England. However, it was not particularly common during those periods. The name's popularity surged during the Victorian era (1837-1901), when many English families chose to honor their heritage by using traditional English names like Cliford.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Cliford. One such person was Sir Clifford Musgrave, a British Army officer who served in the Boer War and World War I. Additionally, there are several places named Clifford in England, such as Clifford Castle in Herefordshire and Clifford Street in Leeds, which may have contributed to the name's enduring association with English heritage.

Today, Cliford is not among the most popular names but remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking an unusual yet traditional English name for their son. Its unique sound and historic significance make it a attractive option for those looking for a name that is both meaningful and uncommon.

See also

English

Popularity of the name CLIFORD since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

Based on the provided statistics, the name Clifford was quite popular in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, with a total of 286 births recorded between 1914 and 1987.

The name's popularity varied greatly from year to year. The highest number of Clifford births occurred in 1925, with 14 newborns sharing the name. This was followed by a few years with double-digit births (10-12 births per year) between 1918 and 1934.

Interestingly, there were several periods where the name Clifford seemed to be less favored. From 1947 to 1952, there were only five births each year. Then, from 1966 onwards, the number of annual Clifford births fluctuated between five and seven until 1987.

While Clifford may not have been as popular in recent decades, it still holds a place in American naming history, with a notable peak in popularity during the early-to-mid 20th century.

Name variation CLIFORD.