"dweller by the cliff ford"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Clifford
Pronunciation: [ kl-IHF-erd ]
Does Clifford flow with your last name?
The vintage classic made beloved by the world's most famous red dog
English
American
Vintage
Classic
Traditional
Strong
Playful
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Clifford the Big Red Dog, the children's book character
The Story of Clifford
Clifford is an Old English topographic surname meaning 'ford by a cliff' — from 'clif' (cliff, steep slope) and 'ford' (a river crossing). It was used as a place name for settlements near cliffs with river crossings, and then adopted as a surname by families living there. The name came into common use as a first name in the 19th century, when Victorian-era naming fashions embraced place-based surnames.
Clifford reached its peak popularity in the US in the 1940s-50s, when it was a solidly mainstream choice. It declined sharply from the 1970s onward. However, the enormous global popularity of Clifford the Big Red Dog — a beloved children's book series by Norman Bridwell (1963), adapted into multiple animated TV series — has kept the name recognizable and affectionate for generations of children.
Clifford the Big Red Dog has made this name universally associated with kindness, loyalty, and wholesome childhood joy. The character, created in 1963 by Norman Bridwell, has sold over 130 million books worldwide and been translated into 13 languages. For parents of a certain generation, naming a child Clifford is a nostalgic tribute to a beloved childhood companion.
Historical Record
Clifford first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 78,750 babies have been named Clifford in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clifford is past its peak , currently ranked #1,343 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Norman Bridwell named Clifford the Big Red Dog after his imaginary childhood friend
- Clifford the Big Red Dog has been published in over 13 languages with more than 130 million books sold worldwide
- The name Clifford was in the US top 50 from 1904 through the 1940s, representing a golden era of the name
Clifford in Other Languages
French
Clifford
German
Clifford
Spanish
Clifford
Japanese
クリフォード
Popularity Over Time
#1,343
Current Rank
Peaked 1952
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Clifford
C
Clifford Brown
Musician
1930
Legendary American jazz trumpeter considered one of the greatest in the history of jazz; influenced Miles Davis and Dizz...
Legendary American jazz trumpeter considered one of the greatest in the history of jazz; influenced Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie
C
Clifford Odets
Writer
1906
American playwright known for socially conscious dramas including 'Waiting for Lefty' and 'Golden Boy'
C
Clifford the Big Red Dog Fictional
Other
Beloved fictional giant red dog from Norman Bridwell's children's book series (1963-present); one of the most recognizab...
Beloved fictional giant red dog from Norman Bridwell's children's book series (1963-present); one of the most recognizable characters in children's literature worldwide
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Compare Clifford with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,343
- Total SSA Count
- 142
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Cliff
Clif
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clifford
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Clifford is also used as a girl name, ranked #24388.
View Clifford as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clifford
What does the name Clifford mean?
"dweller by the cliff ford" (from Old English). Clifford is an Old English topographic surname meaning 'ford by a cliff' — from 'clif' (cliff, steep slope) and 'ford' (a river crossing). It was used as a place name for settlements near cliffs with river crossings, and then adopted as a surname by families living there. The name came into common use as a first name in the 19th century, when Victorian-era naming fashions embraced place-based surnames.
What is the origin of the name Clifford?
Clifford has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "dweller by the cliff ford".
Is Clifford a boy or girl name?
Clifford is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1343. As a girl name, it is ranked #24388. Clifford is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Clifford?
Clifford is pronounced kl-IHF-erd.
How popular is the name Clifford?
Clifford is currently ranked #1343 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clifford?
Common nicknames for Clifford include Cliff and Clif.
What are good middle names for Clifford?
Popular middle name pairings include Clifford James, Clifford Thomas, Clifford Edward, Clifford Henry, Clifford Lee, Clifford Alan, and Clifford Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Clifford?
Names that pair well with Clifford as siblings include Dorothy, Clarence, Beatrice, Walter, Mildred, Harold, Vivian, and Chester.
How many syllables does Clifford have?
Clifford has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Clifford a common or rare name?
Clifford is an uncommon name, ranked #1343 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Clifford?
About the Name Clifford
Clifford is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "dweller by the cliff ford" in Old English .
Is Clifford a boy or girl name? Clifford is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,343 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #24,388. Clifford is more commonly used as a boy name.
Clifford is currently ranked #1,343 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Clifford has 2 syllables and is pronounced kl-IHF-erd, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Clifford include Cliff and Clif. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Clifford include Clifton, Cliff . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis