Declining since 1985, #1,352 for boys today.
Popularity of Clifford since 1880
Babies named Clifford per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1925, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Clifford's real moment was 1908.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,552 |
| 1890s | 2,701 |
| 1900s | 4,055 |
| 1910s | 20,886 |
| 1920s | 31,242 |
| 1930s | 23,100 |
| 1940s | 25,823 |
| 1950s | 29,862 |
| 1960s | 19,264 |
| 1970s | 11,761 |
| 1980s | 9,556 |
| 1990s | 4,295 |
| 2000s | 1,895 |
| 2010s | 1,415 |
| 2020s | 842 |
Meaning & origin
Clifford is a classic English name that saw its peak in 1908, when it ranked among the most popular names for boys. By 2025, it had declined to rank 1352, with only 1 in 12,288 boys receiving the name. The name has been in use since at least 1880, but its popularity has been falling since 1985. Historically, Clifford was most common in states like Iowa, Minnesota, and South Carolina, reflecting its strong appeal in the Midwest and South. Despite its decline, Clifford remains a familiar name with a dignified, old-fashioned feel, often shortened to the friendly nickname Cliff.
Clifford is an English surname transferred to given name use. It derives from a place name, meaning 'ford at the cliff' or 'ford by a cliff,' from Old English 'clif' (cliff, slope, riverbank) and 'ford' (ford). The name was borne by the aristocratic Clifford family of England, and it came into use as a given name in the 19th century, rising in popularity in the early 20th century.
Where Clifford 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
Nicknames: Cliff, Cliffy
Sibling names for Clifford
Names that share Clifford's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ruby, Edith, Mildred, Frances, Ethel, Doris, Rochelle, Beryl, Beverley, Treva, Lynetta, Pearle, Rochell, Shelba, Dorma, Glenis, Lonita, Perlie, Delcia, Jearline, Jerrine, Korine, Norva, Tangy, Wilsie, Cloria, Clista, Geneal, Lodie, Loral, Lorrinda, Marvia, Unice
Brothers: Russell, Howard, Chester, Lloyd, Earl, Cliff, Elvis, Gilford, Marlan, Monte, Olin, Rayford, Reynold, Cloyd, Hardin, Kimball, Lawerence, Lindell, Loring, Merrell, Norwood, Vernal, Windell, Almond, Delmon, Garlan, Glendell, Lawernce, Ogden, Raeford, Rulon, Welford, Ethridge, Glenard, Granvil, Leeman, Lyndel, Lynford, Melvern, Murlin, Ormand, Royston, Jewett, Densil, Derrall, Fairley, Montford, Rawson, Rector, Reford, Warnell
Names like Clifford
Names whose popularity has moved with Clifford's over the last 50 years.
