Cliff

At a Glance

Meaning

Short form of Clifford or Clifton, from Old English clif 'cliff, steep bank'

Origin

English (diminutive of Clifford/Clifton)

Gender

Primarily used for boys

Pronunciation

KLIFListen

Cliff is a short form of Clifford or Clifton, both rooted in the Old English word clif, meaning 'cliff, steep bank.' It's an English name, so parents can use it on its own or as a nickname tucked inside either longer name. It has a clear, sturdy word behind it rather than anything abstract or invented.

Meaning & Origin of Cliff

Meaning: Short form of Clifford or Clifton, from Old English clif 'cliff, steep bank'.

Origin: English (diminutive of Clifford/Clifton).

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Cliff

Popularity of Cliff

Social Security records dating back to 1880 show Cliff at its highest point in 1886, ranked #358 with 23 babies given the name; by 2024 it had slipped to #2995, given to 41 babies that year.

Names Like Cliff

These names have followed a similar path to Cliff in U.S. popularity over the years.

• Larkin
• Levin
• Avie
• Jemima
• Reason
• Zulema

FAQ

What does the name Cliff mean?

Short form of Clifford or Clifton, from Old English clif ‘cliff, steep bank’. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Cliff?

Cliff is pronounced KLIF (IPA: /klɪf/).

Is Cliff a popular name right now?

Cliff peaked at #358 in 1886 and is ranked #2995 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

Make Cliff Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Cliff, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.