Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Clifford has its origins in Old English, combining the elements for 'cliff' and 'river crossing'. It has evolved through various historical forms and is associated with the meaning 'ford by the cliff'. While it does not have biblical relevance, it gained popularity in the 19th century, influenced by cultural references. Today, it is perceived positively, partly due to its association with beloved children's characters, and notable individuals with this name include influential figures in music, anthropology, and theatre.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈklɪfərd/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Clifford is derived from the Old English elements 'clif', meaning 'cliff', and 'ford', meaning 'river crossing'. It originally referred to someone who lived near a cliff by a river.
Meaning
ford by the cliff
Language Evolution
Cliford, Cliffort, Clifforde, Clifford
Historical Usage
Clifford gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century, influenced by literary and cultural references.
Variants & Derivatives
Cliff, Cliffie, Clif
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Clifford is often associated with the friendly giant red dog from children's literature, giving it a warm and approachable image.
Famous People
Clifford Brown (jazz trumpeter), Clifford Geertz (anthropologist), Clifford Odets (playwright)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,473 peak births in 1925
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 64th of 7545 | 50,243 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 88th of 6773 | 43,157 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 126th of 7552 | 52,362 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 193rd of 10718 | 21,037 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 321st of 16616 | 11,754 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 905th of 24088 | 3,194 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1310th of 23106 | 1,700 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1062nd of 9107 | 858 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1695th of 9204 | 415 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3023rd of 12526 | 284 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5206th of 19264 | 162 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 10509th of 27321 | 87 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
3.46% 49th/1416 |
5.29% 73rd/1379 |
3.17% 75th/2366 |
4.64% 53rd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
5.24% 81st/1546 |
5.46% 85th/1556 |
3.87% 91st/2353 |
4.98% 77th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
5.48% 122nd/2227 |
4.07% 99th/2430 |
4.45% 127th/2853 |
4.22% 117th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
6.74% 198th/2937 |
5.20% 181st/3483 |
5.34% 188th/3518 |
5.32% 215th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
8.17% 301st/3685 |
6.70% 300th/4475 |
5.85% 304th/5194 |
5.70% 360th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
19.69% 902nd/4582 |
16.73% 864th/5164 |
11.43% 836th/7313 |
16.24% 1212th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
28.71% 1144th/3984 |
40.14% 1801st/4487 |
20.52% 1400th/6822 |
24.62% 1545th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
100.00% 1379th/1379 |
32.04% 758th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
52.78% 1242nd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
84.16% 2401st/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 4044th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in North Dakota across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 64th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 88th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 126th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 193rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 321st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 905th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1310th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1062nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1695th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3023rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5206th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 10509th out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.