All about the name
Clifton
Male
« Clifton is an English given name originating from the Middle Ages as a surname, derived from Old English "clif" (hillside) and "-ton" (settlement), signifying "settlement on a hillside." Now predominantly used as a boy's name, it has gained popularity recently with notable bearers such as Clifton Davis and Clifton Collins Jr. »
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Meaning, origin, history
Clifton is a unique and distinctive English given name that has gained popularity in recent years. Its origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was originally used as a surname.
The name Clifton is derived from an Old English word "clif" which means "hillside" or "slope," combined with the suffix "-ton" meaning "settlement." Therefore, the literal translation of Clifton is "settlement on a hillside."
Historically, Clifton was primarily used as a surname in England. However, it started to be used as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Clifton is considered a unisex name but is more commonly used for boys.
Some notable people with the first name Clifton include Clifton Davis, an American actor and singer, Clifton Collins Jr., an American actor, and Clifton Wharton Sr., the first African-American ambassador to Germany. These individuals have contributed to the popularity and recognition of the name Clifton in various fields.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Clifton since 1880
Total births
70,069
Total since 1880
Peak year
1975
1,214 births
in 2023
105
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+9%
↗
vs previous 5 years