Clifton

Origin

English origin & Etymology - Derived from Old English elements 'clif' meaning 'cliff' and 'tun' meaning 'settlement' or 'town', indicating a person who lived near or on a cliff. Historical mentions include Thomas Clifton (16th-century English merchant) and the use of the surname Clifton in English record keeping from medieval times.

Meaning

Literal translation - 'Cliff town' or 'settlement near a cliff'. In Australian English contexts, it often connotes a sense of elevation or prominence, sometimes used metaphorically to describe something distinguished or near a high point.

Pronunciation

/ˈklɪf.tɒn/ (Australian English pronunciation: 'KLIF-tun'), stress on the first syllable, with a short 'i' sound as in 'kit'.䦀 or /ˈklɪf.tən/. (less common)

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 12 June (Feast of Saint Clifton) - In certain Christian calendars recognising saints with related names, though not widely celebrated in Australia.
• 30 October (Reformation Day) - Not specific to Clifton, but some Christian denominations in Australia observe this day.
• N/A for indigenous or cultural celebrations specific to Aboriginal or Māori traditions.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with clifton:

• Clifton James and Elizabeth.
• Clifton Lee and Marie.
• Clifton and Alice.

Fun Facts

• The name Clifton features in Australian geography, such as Clifton Hill in Melbourne and Clifton Gardens in Sydney, reflecting its English roots.
• Clifton is also associated with several Australian suburbs and localities, indicating the name's integration into local place names.
• Clifton is a surname and a given name in Australia, often used interchangeably.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name clifton:

• Confident
• Adventurous
• Traditional
• Grounded

Aesthetic Qualities

Clean, classic, and traditional, conveying a sense of strength and stability; visually it suits both formal and informal contexts, with balanced typographic appeal.

Geographical Distribution

More commonly found in southern and eastern Australia, particularly in Victorian and New South Wales regions where English surnames are prevalent in local communities.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking, often viewed as a seeker or explorer personality in numerology charts.

Astrological Connections

People with this name are often associated with the zodiac sign Virgo, aligning with traits of practicality and attention to detail, though individual astrology varies.

Historical Context

The surname Clifton has been carried by notable Australians, including Sir Ian Clifton (diplomat), and appears in historical records dating back to British colonisation. The name's use as a first name in Australia is less common but has been recorded sporadically in regional and family contexts.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts seamlessly across English-speaking cultures; in other languages it may be rendered with local scripts or phonetic spellings, such as Klifton in some non-English texts.

Famous People Named clifton

• Sir Ian Clifton (Diplomat)
• Clifton Pugh (Artist)
• Clifton Webb (International actor, though not Australian, influential in cultural references)

Popularity in Australia