"settlement on a cliff"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Clifton
Pronunciation: [ kl-IHFT-uhn ]
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A bold surname name with dramatic English cliffside imagery
English
American
Strong
Unique
Vintage
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"cliff town"
Origin: Anglo-Saxon
Language: English
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The Story of Clifton
Clifton is an Old English place name and surname derived from 'clif' (cliff) and 'tun' (settlement or farm), literally meaning 'settlement on a cliff.' There are numerous villages named Clifton throughout England. As a given name, it was primarily used for boys but has increasingly crossed gender lines in the modern trend of surname-style names for girls.
Clifton was used as a masculine given name throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, inspired by the English surname tradition. Its use for girls is a very recent phenomenon, following the broader trend of traditionally male surnames (like Blake, Sutton, and Hadley) being embraced as feminine names.
Clifton holds significance in African American naming traditions, where it appeared frequently in the early-to-mid 20th century. Famous Cliftons in culture have helped keep the name recognizable across generations.
Historical Record
Clifton first appeared in US Social Security records in 1955.
Over 189 babies have been named Clifton in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clifton is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #17,241 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- There are over 30 places called Clifton in England and Wales
- Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is one of Britain's most iconic landmarks
Clifton in Other Languages
French
Clifton
German
Clifton
Italian
Clifton
Spanish
Clifton
Portuguese
Clifton
Popularity Over Time
#17,241
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #17,241
- Total SSA Count
- 8
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Cliff
Cliffie
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, 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, 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 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clifton
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Clifton is also used as a boy name, ranked #1756.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clifton
What does the name Clifton mean?
"settlement on a cliff" (from Old English). "cliff town" (from Anglo-Saxon). Clifton is an Old English place name and surname derived from 'clif' (cliff) and 'tun' (settlement or farm), literally meaning 'settlement on a cliff.' There are numerous villages named Clifton throughout England. As a given name, it was primarily used for boys but has increasingly crossed gender lines in the modern trend of surname-style names for girls.
What is the origin of the name Clifton?
Clifton has Old English, Anglo-Saxon, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "settlement on a cliff". In Anglo-Saxon, it means "cliff town".
Is Clifton a boy or girl name?
Clifton is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #17241. As a boy name, it is ranked #1756. 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 #17241 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clifton?
Common nicknames for Clifton include Cliff and Cliffie.
What are good middle names for Clifton?
Popular middle name pairings include Clifton Rose, Clifton Mae, Clifton Jean, Clifton Louise, Clifton Grace, Clifton Ann, and Clifton Marie.
What are good sibling names for Clifton?
Names that pair well with Clifton as siblings include Blake, Rowan, Sutton, Hadley, Parker, Morgan, and Quinn.
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 #17241 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Clifton
Clifton is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "settlement on a cliff" in Old English .
Is Clifton a boy or girl name? Clifton is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #17,241 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,756. Clifton is more commonly used as a boy name.
Clifton is currently ranked #17,241 in popularity for girl 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 Cliffie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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