CLIFFORD
Clifford
Clifford is a distinguished British surname with origins dating back to the medieval period. The name is of locational origin, derived from various places in England named Clifford. These places include villages in counties such as Herefordshire, West Yorkshire, and Devon.
The etymology of the surname Clifford can be traced to the Old English words “clif” and “ford,” meaning “ford by a cliff” or “ford near a steep slope.” This suggests that the original bearers of the name may have resided near a cliff or a river crossing located near a cliff.
The surname Clifford is associated with a long history of notable individuals, including prominent figures in British nobility. The Clifford family played a significant role in English history, with the most distinguished member being the powerful Clifford family of Herefordshire. The family held extensive estates and titles, including the Barony of Clifford.
Over the centuries, many individuals bearing the surname Clifford have distinguished themselves in various fields, such as literature, military service, politics, and the arts. The name continues to be relatively common in Britain and is borne by people from diverse backgrounds and professions.
In modern times, variants of the name, such as Clifford and Cliford, can be found across the United Kingdom and in other English-speaking countries. The surname Clifford remains a notable and respected name, reflecting a heritage that stretches back through the annals of British history.
There are approximately 14,806 people named Clifford in the UK. That makes it the 601st most common surname in Britain. Around 227 in a million people in Britain are named Clifford.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Barbara
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.