Clifford – Name Meaning

The name Clifford is of Old English origin and is derived from the words “clif” meaning “cliff” and “ford” meaning “ford”. The name was originally used to describe someone who lived near a cliff or ford. It has been in use since the Middle Ages and is still popular today.

Symbolism

The name Clifford symbolizes strength, courage, and determination. It is associated with a person who is brave and willing to take risks in order to achieve their goals. It also suggests that the bearer of this name is reliable and dependable.

Popularity

Clifford has been a popular name throughout history. In the United States, it was among the top 100 most popular names for boys in the early 1900s. It peaked in popularity in the 1920s but has since declined in popularity. As of 2019, it was ranked as the 845th most popular name for boys in the United States.

Famous People Named Clifford

There are many famous people who have borne the name Clifford, including:

  • Clifford Brown – jazz trumpeter
  • Clifford Odets – playwright
  • Clifford Irving – author
  • Clifford Robinson – basketball player
  • Clifford Stoll – astronomer and computer scientist

Use in Popular Culture

The name Clifford has been used in various forms of popular culture, including books, movies, television shows, and music. One of the most well-known uses of this name is in the children’s book series Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell. The character Clifford is a large red dog who loves adventure and helping his friends.

Variations of the Name

There are several variations of the name Clifford that can be found around the world. Some of these include Cliffton (English), Clifft (English), Cliff (English), Clyfford (English), Klyf (Old English), Klifton (Old English), Klyfton (Old English), Clovis (French), Kleofas (Polish), Kleofon (Greek), Kleofontos (Greek) and Kleophas (Greek).

By Ava Isabella Hartley

Ava Isabella Hartley is a renowned expert in the field of onomastics, the study of names and their meanings, with a particular focus on baby names. She holds a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience in the study of etymology, name trends, and cultural naming practices.

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