Find out how popular the first name Clive has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Clive by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Clive is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 54 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Clive.

The history of the first name Clive

The name Clive is of Old English origin, derived from the word "clif," meaning a cliff or a slope. This name gained popularity during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century.

The name Clive has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon era, and it was a common name among the people living in the regions of Worcestershire and Shropshire in England. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was spelled as "Cliue."

In ancient times, the name Clive was associated with strength and resilience, as it was often given to children born in or near cliffs or slopes. It was believed that these children would grow up to be strong and steadfast, just like the natural formations they were named after.

One of the earliest historical references to the name Clive can be found in the writings of the 12th-century historian, William of Malmesbury. He mentioned a nobleman named Clive de Bec, who fought alongside William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals bearing the name Clive. One of the most famous was Robert Clive (1725-1774), an English military officer and statesman who is often referred to as the "Conqueror of India." He played a significant role in securing British control over the Indian subcontinent in the 18th century.

Another well-known Clive was Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963), the renowned British author and scholar, best known for his works of fiction, including the Chronicles of Narnia series. His works have had a profound impact on literature and continue to be widely read and studied.

Clive Cussler (1931-2020) was an American author and marine archaeologist, best known for his adventure novels featuring the character Dirk Pitt. His books have sold over 100 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over 40 languages.

Clive Davis (born 1932) is an American record executive and producer, who has played a pivotal role in the music industry for over six decades. He has worked with numerous legendary artists, including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, and Whitney Houston.

Clive Owen (born 1964) is an English actor, known for his roles in films such as "Closer," "Children of Men," and "Sin City." He has received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe and a BAFTA award, for his impressive acting performances.

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 Clive was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!