The baby name Cliff is a Male name , 1 syllables long and is pronounced /klɪf/ (klif).
Cliff is English in Origin.
The baby name Cliff is a Male name , 1 syllables long and is pronounced /klɪf/ (klif).
Cliff is English in Origin.
Rooted in Old English clif (“steep slope, bank, cliff”), Cliff is the short form of the toponymic surnames-turned-given names Clifford (“ford by a cliff”) and Clifton (“settlement by a cliff”). As a standalone forename, it carries the direct nature meaning “cliff, rock face,” evoking rugged landscapes and steadfastness. The element clif appears widely in medieval English place‑names, which fed into surnames and later into first-name usage.
Used informally for centuries as a nickname, Cliff began appearing on birth records in the late 19th century in Britain and the United States, enjoying greatest visibility mid‑20th century. Notable bearers include actor Cliff Robertson, musician Cliff Burton, and pop icon Cliff Richard. Variants and related forms include Clifford, Clifton, the modernized spelling Kliff, and affectionate diminutives Cliffy/Cliffie; feminine or unisex adaptations are rare but possible in today’s nature‑name trend.
| Cliff Richard Cliff Richard is a famous British singer and actor, best known for his hit songs like 'Devil Woman' and 'We Don't Talk Anymore'. Born in 1940, he became a prominent figure in the music scene during the late 1950s and 1960s. His contribution to pop music has made him a household name in the United Kingdom. | Cliff Williams Cliff Williams is best known as the bassist for the rock band AC/DC, joining them in 1977. He played on classic albums like 'Back in Black' and 'Highway to Hell', contributing to the band's signature sound. Originally from the United Kingdom, Cliff has been a key figure in the world of rock music for decades. | Cliff Curtis Cliff Curtis is a talented actor from New Zealand, best known for his roles in films like 'Whale Rider' and 'The Dark Horse'. He has also made a mark in Hollywood with performances in 'Training Day' and 'Fear the Walking Dead'. Born in 1968, Curtis has become a prominent figure in both New Zealand and international cinema. |
| Clifford Odets Clifford Odets was an influential American playwright and screenwriter, best known for his work in the 1930s. He gained fame for plays like 'Waiting for Lefty' and 'Awake and Sing!' which captured the struggles of the working class during the Great Depression. | Clifton Collins Clifton Collins Jr. is an American actor best known for his roles in films like 'Capote' and 'Traffic'. He often portrays complex characters and has appeared in a variety of genres, showcasing his versatility on screen. | Cliff DeYoung Cliff DeYoung is an American actor best known for his role in the film 'Flight of the Navigator'. He has also appeared in 'Glory' and 'The Craft', showcasing his versatility across different genres. |
Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.
| Country | Gender | Year | Rank | Born | of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | Boys | 1982 | #1 | — | 339 |
| FJ | Boys | 0 | #17 | 1 | 603 |
| NA | 0 | #33 | 1 | 2,537 | |
| ID | 0 | #39 | 1 | 2,238 | |
| MO | 0 | #49 | 4 | 2,706 | |
| CY | 0 | #60 | 1 | 1,632 | |
| LU | 0 | #61 | 6 | 2,830 | |
| CN | 0 | #83 | 4 | 3,857 | |
| JM | 0 | #92 | 2 | 3,714 | |
| TW | 0 | #100 | 4 | 4,523 | |
| SD | 0 | #102 | 1 | 2,130 | |
| PH | 0 | #110 | 1 | 5,607 | |
| OM | 0 | #119 | 3 | 6,215 | |
| BW | Boys | 0 | #130 | 20 | 4,685 |
| CY | Boys | 0 | #131 | 1 | 3,473 |
| ID | Boys | 0 | #133 | 3 | 4,130 |
| GR | 0 | #135 | 1 | 3,911 | |
| BN | Boys | 0 | #139 | 1 | 6,332 |
| BW | Girls | 0 | #151 | 1 | 4,216 |
| CR | 0 | #163 | 3 | 5,526 | |
| MT | Boys | 0 | #165 | 12 | 4,064 |
| PR | Boys | 0 | #177 | 2 | 2,508 |
| Sweden | Boys | 2022 | #180 | 3 | 1,509 |
| HR | 0 | #181 | 1 | 2,081 | |
| TW | Boys | 0 | #183 | 59 | 7,111 |
| AE | 0 | #186 | 2 | 10,220 | |
| RU | 0 | #194 | 1 | 3,641 | |
| LU | Boys | 0 | #205 | 14 | 4,970 |
| NA | Boys | 0 | #205 | 31 | 6,830 |
| MO | Boys | 0 | #209 | 15 | 5,842 |
| PL | 0 | #212 | 1 | 2,600 | |
| GH | 0 | #243 | 6 | 5,396 | |
| AO | Boys | 0 | #247 | 3 | 5,568 |
| PT | 0 | #249 | 2 | 4,161 | |
| SG | 0 | #254 | 16 | 11,010 | |
| JM | Boys | 0 | #262 | 11 | 6,876 |
| NG | 0 | #271 | 2 | 5,926 | |
| GR | Boys | 0 | #273 | 1 | 6,912 |
| CN | Boys | 0 | #276 | 44 | 9,639 |
| HK | 0 | #290 | 59 | 8,483 | |
| Canada | Boys | 2024 | #301 | 6 | 2,588 |
| JP | Boys | 0 | #301 | 3 | 7,909 |
| DK | Boys | 0 | #302 | 24 | 7,401 |
| HK | Boys | 0 | #304 | 269 | 12,905 |
| CZ | Boys | 0 | #305 | 1 | 6,530 |
| GH | Boys | 0 | #317 | 29 | 8,138 |
| MU | Boys | 0 | #328 | 30 | 8,477 |
| PL | Boys | 0 | #339 | 2 | 6,459 |
| QA | Girls | 0 | #343 | 1 | 15,378 |
| MY | 0 | #346 | 9 | 12,352 | |
| BR | 0 | #360 | 1 | 5,969 | |
| MU | Girls | 0 | #362 | 1 | 8,539 |
| PH | Boys | 0 | #366 | 18 | 11,440 |
| PT | Boys | 0 | #375 | 7 | 7,951 |
| NL | 0 | #381 | 11 | 2,481 | |
| France | Boys | 2021 | #385 | 3 | 2,865 |
| JO | Boys | 0 | #389 | 1 | 7,057 |
| YE | 0 | #398 | 1 | 8,639 | |
| ZA | 0 | #403 | 45 | 14,421 | |
| BD | Girls | 0 | #406 | 1 | 8,413 |
| UY | Boys | 0 | #413 | 1 | 5,922 |
| OM | Girls | 0 | #424 | 1 | 15,987 |
| PH | Girls | 0 | #428 | 2 | 13,098 |
| CL | 0 | #434 | 1 | 6,867 | |
| MX | 0 | #445 | 1 | 8,339 | |
| CR | Boys | 0 | #461 | 27 | 10,188 |
| SD | Boys | 0 | #465 | 2 | 10,523 |
| AR | Boys | 0 | #483 | 1 | 7,628 |
| CM | Boys | 0 | #499 | 52 | 12,054 |
| PA | Boys | 0 | #505 | 1 | 9,305 |
| CO | 0 | #510 | 1 | 7,768 | |
| RU | Girls | 0 | #523 | 1 | 11,913 |
| RU | Boys | 0 | #526 | 1 | 12,621 |
| ZA | Boys | 0 | #536 | 932 | 25,619 |
| PS | Boys | 0 | #555 | 7 | 10,655 |
| LY | 0 | #558 | 2 | 12,703 | |
| CM | Girls | 0 | #560 | 1 | 11,671 |
| IR | Boys | 0 | #565 | 1 | 10,162 |
| SG | Boys | 0 | #582 | 116 | 17,960 |
| BH | 0 | #583 | 5 | 17,937 | |
| AE | Girls | 0 | #597 | 1 | 20,968 |
| BD | Boys | 0 | #605 | 1 | 10,045 |
| IL | Boys | 0 | #619 | 7 | 10,983 |
| AR | Girls | 0 | #630 | 1 | 8,289 |
| SG | Girls | 0 | #632 | 1 | 18,916 |
| HK | Girls | 0 | #648 | 3 | 16,104 |
| CL | Boys | 0 | #655 | 11 | 13,390 |
| Finland | Boys | 2026 | #677 | 6 | 3,552 |
| LB | 0 | #690 | 1 | 13,263 | |
| QA | Boys | 0 | #691 | 17 | 18,093 |
| NL | Boys | 0 | #728 | 227 | 5,873 |
| KW | Boys | 0 | #755 | 15 | 18,755 |
| BR | Boys | 0 | #782 | 4 | 12,213 |
| NG | Boys | 0 | #789 | 163 | 16,906 |
| NG | Girls | 0 | #819 | 8 | 15,093 |
| United States | Boys | 2024 | #852 | 41 | 7,044 |
| PE | Boys | 0 | #857 | 22 | 14,506 |
| Germany | Boys | 0 | #865 | 88 | 5,697 |
| TN | 0 | #865 | 1 | 13,765 | |
| OM | Boys | 0 | #868 | 14 | 17,948 |
| Spain | Boys | 0 | #912 | 19 | 5,610 |
| EG | Boys | 0 | #921 | 5 | 15,035 |
| MY | Boys | 0 | #934 | 179 | 25,439 |
| MX | Boys | 0 | #972 | 11 | 16,355 |
| CO | Boys | 0 | #976 | 6 | 15,656 |
| BR | Girls | 0 | #992 | 1 | 12,708 |
| EG | Girls | 0 | #1,009 | 1 | 14,742 |
| SA | Girls | 0 | #1,014 | 1 | 25,931 |
| IN | Boys | 0 | #1,035 | 5 | 16,750 |
| AE | Boys | 0 | #1,063 | 30 | 22,615 |
| MY | Girls | 0 | #1,067 | 6 | 24,821 |
| ZA | Girls | 0 | #1,123 | 19 | 25,928 |
| MA | 0 | #1,198 | 2 | 20,986 | |
| DZ | 0 | #1,234 | 1 | 20,130 | |
| TR | 0 | #1,250 | 5 | 19,440 | |
| IT | Boys | 0 | #1,428 | 44 | 10,046 |
| SA | Boys | 0 | #1,567 | 48 | 28,008 |
Cliff is popular in 70 countries — most recent births per country:
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