Origin
Old English origin; from 'clif' meaning 'cliff' and 'ford' meaning 'river crossing'. Historically recorded in medieval England as a surname and later adopted as a given name. No specific historical mentions in Australian contexts, but the name was brought to Australia via British colonisation.
Meaning
Literally 'cliff ford', referring to a crossing near a cliff or steep bank. In Australian English, it carries a connotation of strength and stability, often evoking rugged, natural landscapes.
Pronunciation
/ˈklɪf.ərd/ (AU) — 'KLIFF-erd' with emphasis on the first syllable, 'cliff' as in the English word, 'ford' as in the crossing or river crossing area, with typical Australian pronunciation.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Clif
- Clifford (full form), used internationally and in Australian contexts. Other spellings such as Cliford are rare.
- Клифорд (transliterated spelling in Cyrillic for cultural exchange).
Nicknames
- Cliffy
- Cliff
Name Days
- 4 October (Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, although not directly related but observed in some Christian communities)
- 5 October (Australian Christmas element, reflecting the national adoption of Christian calendar traditions)
- No specific Mori or Aboriginal name days.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with clifford:
- James and William
- Thomas and Daniel
- George and Henry
Fun Facts
- Clifford was historically more common as a surname before becoming popular as a given name.
- The name gained popularity in Australia during the early 20th century, influenced by British trends.
- Clifford is also the name of a famous cartoon cartoon dog, which may add a playful association in popular culture.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name clifford:
- Strong
- Dependable
- Traditional
- Resilient
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a robust, classic look and sound. The visual form is straightforward, easily associated with rugged, natural imagery consistent in Australian landscapes.
Geographical Distribution
More common in southern Australian states such as Victoria and South Australia, possibly influenced by early settlers who bore the name as a surname and passed it down.
Numerological Significance
Name number 8, often associated with power, success, and resilience, fitting qualities for the rugged connotation of the name in Australian culture. Brief astrology note: good for those with Leo or Capricorn influences.
Astrological Connections
The name correlates with Leo (fire sign, associated with leadership and charisma) and Capricorn (earth sign, associated with resilience and discipline).
Historical Context
Famous Australians bearing the name include Clifford Curlewis, a renowned cricketer. The name appears in Australian literature and films, often symbolising steadfastness and traditional Australian values.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name maintains its form across English-speaking countries, with phonetic adaptation mainly to Australian accents. Variants are limited due to traditional roots.
Famous People Named clifford
- Clifford Curlewis (Cricketer)
- Clifford Rose (International actor with Australian connections)
- Clifford the Big Red Dog (popular children's fictional character, known in Australia through adaptations)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 |