Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Clifton originates from Old English, meaning 'settlement by the cliff'. It evolved from various forms over the centuries, reflecting its geographic roots. The name is associated with traits of stability and nature, and it has no biblical relevance. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages and continues to be viewed positively in modern times.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈklɪf.tən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
Clifton is derived from the Old English elements 'clif', meaning 'cliff', and 'tun', meaning 'settlement' or 'town'. Thus, the name signifies a settlement by a cliff.
Meaning
settlement by the cliff
Language Evolution
Clifton (Modern English), Cliftun (Old English), Clifdun (Proto-Germanic)
Historical Usage
The name Clifton gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages, particularly as a place name before becoming a surname and later a given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Cliff, Clif, Clifto, Cliffton
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Clifton is viewed as a traditional yet strong name, often associated with stability and nature due to its meaning.
Famous People
Clifton Collins Jr. - American actor, Clifton R. Wooldridge - American politician, Clifton James - American actor
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,224 peak births in 1975
Geographic Spread
Popular across 49 US states, with strongest presence in Mississippi
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 (2 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 2 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 | 159th of 7545 | 14,364 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 197th of 6773 | 12,874 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 238th of 7552 | 17,795 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 280th of 10718 | 12,003 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 412th of 16616 | 7,852 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1029th of 24088 | 2,672 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1618th of 23106 | 1,226 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3272nd of 9107 | 139 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4004th of 9204 | 93 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6550th of 12526 | 60 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 6745th of 19264 | 105 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 15132nd of 27321 | 39 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
16.95% 240th/1416 |
16.61% 229th/1379 |
4.23% 100th/2366 |
26.01% 297th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
19.08% 295th/1546 |
15.30% 238th/1556 |
5.78% 136th/2353 |
21.91% 339th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
13.52% 301st/2227 |
12.02% 292nd/2430 |
5.96% 170th/2853 |
12.47% 346th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
11.41% 335th/2937 |
9.85% 343rd/3483 |
5.51% 194th/3518 |
10.48% 424th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
12.89% 475th/3685 |
12.31% 551st/4475 |
5.74% 298th/5194 |
9.91% 626th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
27.56% 1263rd/4582 |
29.01% 1498th/5164 |
10.31% 754th/7313 |
23.56% 1758th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
47.41% 1889th/3984 |
71.52% 3209th/4487 |
19.28% 1315th/6822 |
40.04% 2513th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| 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 Mississippi across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 159th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 197th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 238th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 280th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 412th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1029th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1618th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3272nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4004th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6550th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6745th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15132nd out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.