Clifford

boyOld English

Clifford is an boy name of Old English origin, meaning “Ford by a cliff”.

MeaningFord by a cliff
GenderBoy
OriginOld English
PronunciationKLIF-ord
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Clifford

Clifford is from an English place name meaning 'ford by a cliff or slope', from the Old English clif and ford, a river crossing. It became the surname of a powerful noble family in the north of England and was adopted as a given name in the nineteenth century. Many children know it today from the picture books about Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Is Clifford a religious name?

Clifford has no religious background; it is an English place name used as a secular first name.

How popular is Clifford?

Popular in the early twentieth century and now rarely given to babies.

Gifts with the name Clifford

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Spellings and variants of Clifford

Cliff

Names similar to Clifford

ClarenceStanfordMilfordClive

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Clifford mean?

Clifford means 'Ford by a cliff'. It is of Old English origin.

Does Clifford have a religious meaning?

Clifford has no religious background; it is an English place name used as a secular first name.

How do you pronounce Clifford?

Clifford is pronounced KLIF-ord.

Is Clifford a boy or girl name?

Clifford is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.