The name Clifton has its origins in Old English, derived from the elements "clif" meaning cliff or slope, and "tun" meaning an enclosed settlement or town. It emerged as a place name during the Anglo-Saxon period in England, referring to settlements established near cliffs or hilly terrain.

The earliest recorded use of Clifton as a personal name dates back to the late 12th century, when it began to appear in various records and historical documents. It was initially prevalent in regions of England where settlements bearing the name Clifton existed, such as Clifton in Bedfordshire, Clifton in Derbyshire, and Clifton in Bristol.

One of the earliest notable bearers of the name Clifton was Sir Gervase Clifton (c. 1330 - 1391), an English knight and landowner from Nottinghamshire. Another early figure was Sir John Clifton (c. 1450 - 1512), who served as the Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire during the reign of Henry VII.

In the realm of literature, the name Clifton appears in the works of Shakespeare. In the play "Henry VI, Part 2," there is a character named Sir John Clifton, who is a supporter of the House of York during the Wars of the Roses.

During the 17th century, one of the most prominent individuals named Clifton was Sir Gervase Clifton (1588 - 1666), an English politician and baronet who served as the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. He was a staunch Royalist during the English Civil War.

Another notable figure was William Clifton (1663 - 1737), an English philosopher and mathematician who made contributions to the development of calculus and is known for his work on the binomial theorem.

Throughout history, the name Clifton has been borne by various individuals from different walks of life, including politicians, soldiers, scholars, and artists. Its enduring presence across centuries reflects its deep-rooted origins in the landscape and settlements of medieval England.