Clive

Pronunciation: [ kl-EYEV ]

Boy Name #2,057 Most Popular Hidden Gem 1 Syllable

A sturdy English name meaning 'cliff dweller'

English British American

Vintage Classic Strong Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"one who lives near a steep bank"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Clive

Clive Owen

Actor

1964

British actor known for Closer, Children of Men, and his early career as a James Bond contender

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

Robert Clive

Military

1725

British military officer and statesman who established the East India Company's dominance in India

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 Cliie

Pairs Well With

Clive Edward Clive Henry Clive Thomas Clive James Clive William Clive Owen

Sibling Names

Nigel Rupert Phoebe Harriet Miles Diana

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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, and Cliie.

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, and Cliie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.