"one who lives near a steep bank"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Clive
Pronunciation: [ kl-EYEV ]
Does Clive flow with your last name?
A sturdy English name meaning 'cliff dweller'
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The Story of Clive
Clive derives from the Old English word 'clif' meaning 'cliff' or 'steep slope.' It began as a surname for those who lived near a cliff, and became a first name largely through the fame of Robert Clive (Clive of India), the British military officer and colonial administrator who secured British dominance in India in the 18th century.
Clive was most popular in Britain from the 1940s through the 1970s, riding the prestige of the Clive of India legacy and the success of figures like author Clive Staples Lewis (C.S. Lewis) and actor Clive Owen. It has declined since the 1980s but retains a dignified, old-school appeal.
Clive carries strong associations with British colonial history through Robert Clive, and with literary culture through C.S. Lewis (whose first name was Clive). In Britain, the name evokes a certain mid-century English establishment sensibility.
Historical Record
Clive first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,103 babies have been named Clive in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clive is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,057 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia, was born Clive Staples Lewis — he went by 'Jack' to friends
- Robert Clive (1725-1774), known as 'Clive of India', was one of the most controversial figures of the British Empire
Clive in Other Languages
French
Clive
German
Clive
Spanish
Clive
Popularity Over Time
#2,057
Current Rank
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Clive
C
Clive Owen
Actor
1964
British actor known for Closer, Children of Men, and his early career as a James Bond contender
C
C.S. Lewis
Writer
1898
British author of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Screwtape Letters, one of the 20th century's most influential Christi...
British author of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Screwtape Letters, one of the 20th century's most influential Christian writers
R
Robert Clive
Military
1725
British military officer and statesman who established the East India Company's dominance in India
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,057
- Total SSA Count
- 73
- Cultural Origins
- English British American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Nicknames
Cli
Cly
Clie
Clikins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Clive
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clive
What does the name Clive mean?
"one who lives near a steep bank" (from Old English). Clive derives from the Old English word 'clif' meaning 'cliff' or 'steep slope.' It began as a surname for those who lived near a cliff, and became a first name largely through the fame of Robert Clive (Clive of India), the British military officer and colonial administrator who secured British dominance in India in the 18th century.
What is the origin of the name Clive?
Clive has Old English, English, British, and American origins. In Old English, it means "one who lives near a steep bank".
Is Clive a boy or girl name?
Clive is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Clive?
Clive is pronounced kl-EYEV.
How popular is the name Clive?
Clive is currently ranked #2057 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clive?
Common nicknames for Clive include Cli, Cly, Clie, and Clikins.
What are good middle names for Clive?
Popular middle name pairings include Clive Edward, Clive Henry, Clive Thomas, Clive James, Clive William, and Clive Owen.
What are good sibling names for Clive?
Names that pair well with Clive as siblings include Nigel, Rupert, Phoebe, Harriet, Miles, and Diana.
How many syllables does Clive have?
Clive has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Clive a common or rare name?
Clive is an uncommon name, ranked #2057 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Clive
Clive is a boy name with English, British, and American origins . The name means "one who lives near a steep bank" in Old English .
Clive is currently ranked #2,057 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Clive has 1 syllable and is pronounced kl-EYEV, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Clive include Cli, Cly, Clie, and Clikins. 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