Clifford Name Meaning, Origin & History

Name Meaning & Origin

Clifford

🔊 KLI-furd  /ˈklɪfərd/

"Ford of the cliff"

(Old English, from clif, a cliff) Origin Christianity Predominantly Male 📈 Peak 1925 👥 190,128 in US Christian Boy

Data last updated: 2025 SSA records

📖
Meaning
Ford of the cliff
🌍
Origin
(Old English, from clif, a cliff)
👥
US Bearers
190,128
Life Path
Number 6

📖 What Does Clifford Mean?

English name derived from the Old English words clif (cliff) and ford (crossing). The name Clifford means 'Ford of the cliff'. It was popular in medieval England, especially among the nobility. Today, Clifford is a name with a strong, grounded, and resilient energy.

Root Element
Clifford
Core Meaning
"Ford of the cliff"
Language
English, Greek, Latin
Themes
Strength · Nobility · Freedom

🌐 Clifford in Different Languages

🇬🇧 English
Clifford
meaning of the name Clifford: cliff, hill, steep rock

long meaning of the name Clifford: The name Clifford is a Hebrew-English name and is considered a prophetic name. It is found in the book of Psalms, chapter 18, verse 19, and two times in the book of …

Personality of Clifford

Emotional Traits

Brave Strong-willed Confident

Hidden Personality

C = Courageous
H = Humble

🍀 Lucky Attributes

📅
Lucky Day
(Saturday)
🔢
Lucky Number
12
💎
Lucky Stone
(Amethyst)
🌟
Life Path
6

Lucky Colors

Gold
Brown
Gray

Numerology: People with the life path number 6 are nurturing, loving, and caring individuals. They are very caring, and they often give off an aura of warmth and security. They are very practical, and they value stability and routine.

🔢 Numerology of Clifford

C 3
L 3
I 9
F 6
F 6
O 6
R 9
D 4
SUM 1
1
Life Path
Independence & Leadership
6
Soul Urge
Nurturing & Responsibility
4
Personality
Stability & Hard Work

Life Path 1 — Independence & Leadership: Natural-born leaders, ambitious, and self-reliant.

🕊️ Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural Impact

The name Clifford carries a sense of strength, endurance, and courage. With its historical roots in medieval England, Clifford evokes images of noble knights braving the elements, charging forward into battle, and conquering new territories. Today, this name is still associated with strong and sturdy individuals.

Spiritual Significance

The name Clifford holds a deeper spiritual meaning. The 'cliff' represents our challenges and obstacles that we must face in life. The 'ford' signifies the crossing point, where we must overcome these challenges to move forward. Therefore, Clifford can be seen as a reminder of our inner strength and the Power that helps us navigate the ups and downs of life. It encourages us to face our fears head-on, trusting that our abilities and the divine will combine to help us overcome them.

📊 Clifford in Numbers

190,128 US bearers
1925 Peak year
Predominantly Male Predominant gender
Full statistics →

Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.

🗺️ Global Popularity

Overall Popularity Score 75/100
🇺🇸 United States
75%
🌍 Brazil
82%
🌍 Spain
64%
🌍 Italy
92%

Historical Journey

🌱
Ancient Roots

Root element "Clifford" emerges in (Old English, from clif, a cliff) tradition, carrying the core meaning "Ford of the cliff".

📜
Classical Period

Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.

⚔️
Medieval Period

Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.

🌊
Modern Adoption

Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.

📈
Today (2026)

~190,128 people named Clifford in the US. Peaked in 1925 with 3,473 recorded uses.

🏛️
4th century

Historical records show that Christian martyr The name Clifford carried significant spiritual weight in that era.

Modern Usage

The name Clifford remains relevant in modern Christian society, representing a bridge between traditional Biblical values and contemporary life. It is widely discussed on digital platforms and continues to be a popular choice for families seeking meaningful Christian names.

Famous People Named Clifford

C
Clifford Brown (Jazz musician)
C
Clifford Irving (Author and Fraudster)
C
Clifford the Big Red Dog (Children's character)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clifford mean?

Clifford means "Ford of the cliff" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.

Is Clifford a good Christian name?

Yes, Clifford is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.

What is the origin of the name Clifford?

Clifford has (Old English, from clif, a cliff) origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.

What is the numerology number for Clifford?

The Life Path number for Clifford is 1, associated with Independence & Leadership. Soul Urge: 6. Personality: 4.

Is Clifford a boy or girl name?

Clifford is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 99% male and 1% female.

How many people are named Clifford in the US?

Approximately 190,128 people in the United States are named Clifford. The name peaked in 1925 with 3,473 recorded uses.

🔗 Related & Similar Names

Related Names

Clyde meaning Gilford meaning Cleford meaning

Similar Sounding

Clive meaning Clyde meaning Cleo meaning

From Our Database

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