Clifford
Meaning of Clifford
The name Clifford is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "clif," meaning 'slope' or 'cliff,' and "ford," meaning 'river crossing.' Pronounced KLIF-erd (/ˈklɪfərd/), Clifford evokes images of rugged landscapes and natural beauty. Historically, it was a surname that eventually transitioned into use as a first name. One notable association is Clifford the Big Red Dog, the beloved children's book character created by Norman Bridwell. The name has seen varying levels of popularity in the United States over the decades, peaking in the early to mid-20th century. Although its usage has declined in recent years, it remains a classic choice with a strong, enduring presence. For those seeking a shorter variation, "Cliff" offers a modern twist while retaining the name's original charm.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as KLIF-erd (/ˈklɪfərd/)
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Notable People Named Clifford
| Clifford Odets was a highly influential American playwright, screenwriter, and actor whose socially relevant dramas in the mid-1930s inspired generations of playwrights, but his prominence was eventually overshadowed by other playwrights in the 1950s. |
| Clifford Alan Pickover is an American author, editor, and columnist known for his work in science, mathematics, science fiction, innovation, and creativity, with over 700 U.S. patents and more than 50 books translated into multiple languages. |
| Clifford Donald Simak, an American science fiction writer, was known for his association with the pastoral science fiction subgenre and received multiple prestigious awards for his work. |
| Clifford Brown was a talented American jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer known for his influential recordings and compositions such as "Sandu", "Joy Spring", and "Daahoud". |
| Clifford Ralph Robinson was an American professional basketball player who had a successful 18-season career in the NBA, known for his time with the Portland Trail Blazers and for receiving the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1993. |
| Clifford May - Clifford D. May is an American journalist, editor, political activist, and podcast host, known for founding the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and hosting the podcast Foreign Podicy. |
| Clifford Alexander Jr. - Clifford Leopold Alexander Jr. was a prominent American lawyer, businessman, and public servant, known for being the first African American to serve as Secretary of the Army. |
| Clifford Glenwood Shull was a Nobel Prize-winning American physicist. |
| Clifford Paul Stoll, also known as Cliff Stoll, is an American astronomer, author, and teacher. |
| Clifford Laconia Jordan was an influential American jazz tenor saxophone player known for his collaborations with prominent musicians and his recordings with Blue Note. |
| Clifford Henry Taubes is a prominent mathematician specializing in gauge field theory, differential geometry, and low-dimensional topology, and holds the William Petschek Professorship at Harvard University. |
| John Clifford Rose was a British actor known for his work in film, television, and theater. |
| Clifford Whittingham Beers founded the American mental hygiene movement. |
| Clifford Ann Creed is a retired American professional golfer who won eleven LPGA Tour events during her career. |
| Clifford Mitchell Walker was an American attorney and politician from Georgia. |
