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NamyLab

Clifford

male
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Ford Near Cliff"

An Old English place-name surname meaning ford by a cliff, it transitioned into given-name use in modern times.

Themes:toponymsurnameenglish
NatureNaturalVintageRetroUniqueRare

Fact-checked by Sarah Mitchell

B.A. Journalism, Northwestern University10+ Years Parenting WritingMom of Three • Parenting Editor

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Clifford

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#1340Ranked in 2024

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#1340

Clifford was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+117

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Clifford Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Clifford.

10 ideas
Cliie
Nickname
Clif
Nickname
clif
Nickname
ford
Nickname
ordy
Nickname
iffy
Nickname
cliy
Nickname
clie
Nickname
clo
Nickname
cl
Nickname

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Baby Name Lists That Include Clifford

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Clifford, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

13 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Clifford mean?
Clifford means "Ford Near Cliff". An Old English place-name surname meaning ford by a cliff, it transitioned into given-name use in modern times.
What is the origin of Clifford?
Clifford is of Old English origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Clifford?
According to the latest SSA data, Clifford is currently ranked #1340 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Clifford a boy name?
Clifford is traditionally a boy name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Clifford?
Popular nicknames for Clifford include Cliie, Clif, clif, ford, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Clifford?
There are many names similar to Clifford in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginOld English
Syllables2
Length8 letters
US Rank#1340
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withC

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Boy Names Like Clifford

Clifford has Old English roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Old English baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Clifford appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Earth-Inspired Nature Names and Unique Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Vintage Baby Names and Traditional English Names.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Clifford pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Clifford beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.