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At a Glance
- Meaning
- Cliff (dweller near a cliff)
- Origin
- Old English (surname)
- Gender
- Primarily used for boys
- Pronunciation
- KLYV
Clive is an Old English surname name that literally means "cliff," originally given to someone who lived near a cliff. It's a solid, no-frills choice with a clear, tangible meaning behind it rather than an abstract or poetic one. If you're drawn to names rooted in landscape and place, Clive fits that mold.
Meaning & Origin of Clive
Meaning: Cliff (dweller near a cliff).
Origin: Old English (surname).
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Clive
KLYVIPA /klaɪv/
Popularity of Clive
Clive has never been a common name in the U.S., peaking at #764 in 1906 with just 11 babies given the name. By 2024 it had fallen to #2056, with only 73 boys named Clive that year, based on Social Security Administration data spanning 1885 to 2024.
Names Like Clive
These names have followed a similar path to Clive in U.S. popularity over the years.
FAQ
What does the name Clive mean?
Cliff (dweller near a cliff). (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Clive?
Clive is pronounced KLYV (IPA: /klaɪv/).
Is Clive a popular name right now?
Clive peaked at #764 in 1906 and is ranked #2056 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1885–2024.)
Make Clive Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Clive, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
📊 How popular is Clive? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
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