"cliff settlement"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Clifton
Pronunciation: [ kl-IHFT-uhn ]
Boy Name
#1,756 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A cliff-strong English name with solid heritage
English
American
Traditional
Classic
Strong
Meaning & Origin
"town near the cliff"
Origin: Anglo-Saxon
Language: English
The Story of Clifton
Clifton is an English place name and surname derived from Old English, meaning settlement by the cliff. It combines clif (cliff or steep rocky slope) with tun (settlement or town). The name has been used in England since the Norman era as a surname and became a given name in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Clifton was most popular in the United States from the 1920s through the 1960s, when it fit the era's taste for strong, geographic-origin surnames as first names. It has since declined but retains an old-school dignity.
Clifton is a place name found throughout England, most famously Clifton in Bristol, which is known for the Clifton Suspension Bridge. In America, the name carries an early-20th-century patrician quality.
Fun Facts
- Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, England, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is one of Britain's most iconic structures
- Clifton Chenier was the King of Zydeco, the influential Louisiana Creole musician
- Clifton Davis is an American actor and gospel singer
Clifton in Other Languages
French
Clifton
German
Clifton
English
Clifton
Spanish
Clifton
Famous People Named Clifton
C
Clifton Chenier
Musician
1925
American musician known as the King of Zydeco, who popularized Creole music
C
Clifton James
Actor
1920
American character actor known for his role as Sheriff Pepper in James Bond films
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,756
- Total SSA Count
- 94
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Cliff
Clift
Pairs Well With
Clifton James
Clifton Earl
Clifton Lee
Clifton Ray
Clifton Wayne
Clifton Douglas
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Clifton is also used as a girl name, ranked #17241.
View Clifton as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clifton
What does the name Clifton mean?
"cliff settlement" (from Old English). "town near the cliff" (from Anglo-Saxon). Clifton is an English place name and surname derived from Old English, meaning settlement by the cliff. It combines clif (cliff or steep rocky slope) with tun (settlement or town). The name has been used in England since the Norman era as a surname and became a given name in the 19th and 20th centuries.
What is the origin of the name Clifton?
Clifton has Old English, Anglo-Saxon, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "cliff settlement". In Anglo-Saxon, it means "town near the cliff".
Is Clifton a boy or girl name?
Clifton is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1756. As a girl name, it is ranked #17241. Clifton is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Clifton?
Clifton is pronounced kl-IHFT-uhn.
How popular is the name Clifton?
Clifton is currently ranked #1756 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clifton?
Common nicknames for Clifton include Cliff and Clift.
What are good middle names for Clifton?
Popular middle name pairings include Clifton James, Clifton Earl, Clifton Lee, Clifton Ray, Clifton Wayne, and Clifton Douglas.
What are good sibling names for Clifton?
Names that pair well with Clifton as siblings include Randolph, Wendell, Gloria, Shirley, Douglas, and Eugene.
How many syllables does Clifton have?
Clifton has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Clifton a common or rare name?
Clifton is an uncommon name, ranked #1756 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Clifton
Clifton is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "cliff settlement" in Old English .
Is Clifton a boy or girl name? Clifton is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,756 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #17,241. Clifton is more commonly used as a boy name.
Clifton is currently ranked #1,756 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Clifton has 2 syllables and is pronounced kl-IHFT-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Clifton include Cliff and Clift. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Clifton include Clifford, Cliff . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.