Clifford
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Cliff Guardian; Ford by a Cliff
Background: The name Clifford originates from the Old English elements 'clif,' meaning 'cliff,' and 'ford,' meaning 'ford' or 'river crossing.' This suggests a meaning of 'ford by a cliff' or 'cliff guardian.' The name has retained its geographical connotations throughout its usage.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#194
Total births
190,128
Most popular decade
1920s
(95,064 births)
10-year trend
↑ Rising (+73 ranks)
Years in Top 100
65
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
98.9% male
1.1% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 127
- First year rank
- #107
- Peak year
- 1925
- Peak year births
- 3,424
- Peak rank
- #59
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 142
- Recent rank
- #1,340
Female
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 6
- First year rank
- #738
- Peak year
- 1917
- Peak year births
- 58
- Peak rank
- #904
- Most recent year
- 1991
- Recent year births
- 7
- Recent rank
- #10,271
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).