Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
CLIFTON
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
(origin: Local) A small village in England; the town on the cliff.
Patronymica Britannica (1860)
CLIFTON. Parishes, &c., in many counties. The Cliftons of Clifton, co. Lancaster, have possessed that estate for more than six centuries.
Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.
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