A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Cliff since 1880
Babies named Cliff per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1959, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cliff's real moment was 1886.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 132 |
| 1890s | 157 |
| 1900s | 194 |
| 1910s | 357 |
| 1920s | 404 |
| 1930s | 545 |
| 1940s | 910 |
| 1950s | 1,567 |
| 1960s | 1,976 |
| 1970s | 1,061 |
| 1980s | 1,082 |
| 1990s | 323 |
| 2000s | 173 |
| 2010s | 194 |
| 2020s | 232 |
Meaning & origin
Cliff is a concise, straightforward name that originated as a short form of Clifford or Clifton, and as a topographic surname. First recorded as a given name in 1880, it peaked in popularity in 1886. After declining for much of the 20th century, Cliff has been on a slow but steady rise since 2003, ranking 2,884th in 2025 with a 1-in-39,723 incidence. Its revival in recent decades aligns with a broader interest in vintage, surname-style names. While not currently associated with any specific US state, Cliff's simplicity and strong, natural imagery make it an understated choice. This name reflects a practical, no-frills sensibility, appealing to parents who favor short, solid names with a clear English lineage.
Cliff originated as a short form of Clifford or Clifton, and also as a topographic surname for someone who lived near a cliff. It emerged as a given name in the late 19th century, initially more common in the United States. Its use peaked in the 1880s, aligning with the broader trend of using surnames as first names.
Where Cliff is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Clif
Sibling names for Cliff
Names that share Cliff's style, for a brother or sister.
