Clive

Origin

Latin origin, derived from the Latin name 'Clivus' meaning 'slope' or 'hill'. The name gained prominence in England through the aristocracy, notably Sir Alfred Clive, a British colonial officer. In Australia, the name Clive became popular in the early 20th century, influenced by British naming trends and notable individuals such as Clive James, the renowned Australian writer and broadcaster.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'slope' or 'hill'. In the Australian context, it often evokes a classic, vintage charm and may connect metaphorically to 'a place of ascent' or 'high ground'.

Pronunciation

/klaɪv/ (Australian English pronunciation, with emphasis on the first syllable, the 'i' as in 'ride') , stressed on the first syllable (Clive). , Australian accents may lengthen the vowels slightly.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 4 August (Feast of Saint Clive, if observed in certain Christian calendars)
• First Monday of August (Common Victorian Public Holiday, but not specific to the name) — Australian naming customs typically do not celebrate specific name days.
• 14 February (Valentine's Day, popular for naming celebrations in Australia)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with clive:

• James, William, Harry for traditional male siblings.
• Charlotte, Emily for classic female counterparts to inspired gender-neutral pairings.
• Patrick for a traditional Australian surname pairing.

Fun Facts

• The author Clive James is one of Australia's most celebrated writers and broadcasters, popularised globally.
• Clive is sometimes used as a surname in Australia, notably in historical records and family lineages.
• The name appeared in Australian military history, with several notable figures bearing the name during World War I and II.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name clive:

• Traditionally associated with qualities like sophistication, intellectual curiosity, and resilience.
• In contemporary trends, sometimes viewed as vintage or 'old-fashioned', gaining renewed interest among parents seeking classic names.
• Perceived as a strong, reliable, and somewhat aristocratic name.

Aesthetic Qualities

Clean, strong typographic structure with a simple, classic appeal. Visually, the name can be styled effectively in traditional or modern fonts, maintaining legibility and elegance.

Geographical Distribution

More common in southern Australian states such as Victoria and New South Wales, where British naming influences have been historically stronger, but used broadly across the country.

Numerological Significance

Name number 8, associated with power, ambition, and material success, fitting with the name's traditional and authoritative connotations. This numerology encourages leadership qualities.

Astrological Connections

Linked to the zodiac sign Scorpio or Leo, depending on birth date, suggesting traits like determination, magnetism, and confidence when considering astrological connections.

Historical Context

The name gained popularity in Australia through British colonial influence and remains associated with prominent figures like Clive James, the celebrated British-Australian author and broadcaster. It reflects a Victorian-era naming style that experienced a resurgence in post-war Australia.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name 'Clive' adapts easily into various languages and scripts with minimal modification, retaining its pronunciation and spelling in most English-speaking contexts; this adaptability supports its use among multicultural Australian families.

Famous People Named clive

• Clive James (Writer, Broadcaster, Critic)
• Clive Palmer (Businessman and Politician)
• Clive Owen (International actor — though not Australian, widely recognised in Australia)

Popularity in Australia