CLIFT
Clift
The surname Clift is of Old English origin and is classified as a habitation surname derived from various locations in England. The surname could be associated with cliffs, referring to someone living near a prominent cliff or cliff face, or it could be derived from a place name such as Cliffe in Kent or Cliffe-at-Hoo in Rochester.
Origins:
The first recorded instance of the surname Clift dates back to the early 13th century in the county of Surrey, England. Over the centuries, the surname has spread to various parts of the country, particularly in regions with rugged terrain or proximity to cliffs.
Distribution:
Today, the surname Clift is most commonly found in the south of England, with notable concentrations in counties such as Kent, Surrey, and Hampshire. However, individuals bearing the surname can be found throughout the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world where British descendants have settled.
Notable Individuals:
- Winston Clift (1897 – 1975) – Renowned British geologist known for his pioneering work on coastal landforms and their evolution.
- Jessica Clift (b. 1983) – British actress known for her roles in acclaimed theatre productions and television dramas.
Variants:
Variants of the Clift surname include Cliff, Clyft, and Clyfft. These variations may have emerged over time due to dialectal differences or changes in spelling conventions.
The surname Clift remains a part of British heritage, symbolizing connections to the land and rugged landscapes that have shaped the country's history.
There are approximately 3,087 people named Clift in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,919th most common surname in Britain. Around 47 in a million people in Britain are named Clift.
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
- Anthony
- David
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Alison
- Barbara
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jane
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan