Find out how popular the first name Cliffton has been for the last 48 years (from 1974 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cliffton by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Cliffton is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cliffton.

The history of the first name Cliffton

The name Cliffton has its origins in the English language, deriving from the combination of the words "cliff" and "town." This name likely emerged during the medieval period in England, referring to a settlement situated near or upon a cliff.

One of the earliest recorded instances of this name can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where a place called Cliftun is mentioned. This entry suggests that the name was already in use by the late 11th century, possibly as a descriptive term for a coastal or elevated settlement.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Cliffton was primarily associated with geographical locations rather than individuals. However, as the use of surnames became more prevalent, some families may have adopted the name Cliffton as a form of toponymic surname, indicating their place of origin or residence.

One of the earliest notable individuals to bear the name Cliffton was John Cliffton (c. 1435-1516), an English Catholic priest and theologian. He served as the Chancellor of the University of Cambridge and was known for his writings on religious matters.

Another historical figure with the name Cliffton was Sir Gervase Cliffton (c. 1587-1666), an English politician who served as a Member of Parliament during the reign of King Charles I. He played a role in the English Civil War, initially supporting the Royalist cause before switching allegiances to the Parliamentarians.

In the literary realm, the name Cliffton is associated with William Cliffton (1772-1799), an English poet and writer. He is best known for his collection of poems titled "The Outcast, and Other Poetical Pieces," published in 1796.

During the 18th century, Thomas Cliffton (1718-1788) was a prominent English architect who designed several notable buildings, including the Derby Assembly Rooms and the Cliffton Hotel in Scarborough.

In the field of science, the name Cliffton is linked to Robert Cliffton (1805-1883), an English mathematician and astronomer. He made significant contributions to the study of celestial mechanics and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1848.

While the name Cliffton has its roots in England, it has since spread to other parts of the world, primarily through migration and cultural exchange. However, its historical significance remains firmly rooted in its English origins, reflecting the linguistic and cultural heritage of the regions where it first emerged.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cliffton was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cliffton, please contact us.

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