Clifford
Clifford comes from the Old English "clif" (cliff) and "ford" (river crossing) — meaning "ford by a cliff." The name began as a surname referring to someone from such a place. As a first name, Clifford was most popular in early 20th-century America. Clifford was a top-100 American name from 1900 to 1945, peaking at #57 in 1909. Clifford (the mathematician Clifford Odets, 1906-1963) was a playwright whose "Waiting for Lefty" (1935) defined Depression-era theater. Clifford the Big Red Dog (the children's book character created by Norman Bridwell in 1963) gave the name a beloved pop-culture charge that has outlasted its peak popularity. I find Clifford has a slightly formal quality — the "Cl" opening is firm, and the "ford" ending gives it a slight masculine echo. The nickname Cliff lightens it considerably. Clifford has been outside the US top 1000 since 2005. Clifford is a male name of English (place name) origin that means "Ford by a cliff". Formal, vintage, and a little friendly. The name sounds approachable. Cliffords tend to be steady. US peaked #57 in 1909. Outside top 1000 since 2005. Well-known people named Clifford include Clifford Odets (playwright), Clifford the Big Red Dog (fictional), Clifford (English place name), Clifford (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Clifford include Cliff (short form), Clifford (English), Cliffy (nickname), Clif (variant).