Clive
Clive comes from the Old English "clif" (cliff, slope). The name began as a surname referring to someone who lived near a cliff. As a first name, Clive is essentially modern — it became popular in England in the 19th century because of Clive of India (Robert Clive, 1725-1774), the British general who established British rule in India. Clive has never been widely popular in the US — it has been outside the top 1000 for most years since 1880. Clive (the actor Clive Owen, born 1964, known for "Closer" and "Children of Men") is the most visible modern bearer. Clive (the science fiction writer Clive Barker, born 1952, of "The Hellbound Heart" (1986), which became "Hellraiser") gave the name a horror dimension. I find Clive has a brisk, slightly British quality — the single syllable is direct, and the "Cl" opening is firm. The "v" ending gives it an edge. Clive is rare in the US but retains a British-literary appeal. Clive is a male name of English (place name) origin that means "Cliff, slope". Brisk, British, and a little literary. The name sounds distinctive. Clives tend to be sharp. US outside top 1000. More common in UK. Well-known people named Clive include Clive of India (general), Clive Owen (actor), Clive Barker (author), Clive (English place name). Common variations and related forms of Clive include Cleve (related), Cliff (related), Clives (variant), Clyve (archaic).