Clifford is both a toponymic surname of English origin and a given name deriving from it. The name originated in several English place names, notably those in Yorkshire and Herefordshire, which combine the Old English elements clif ("cliff, steep slope") and ford ("ford, crossing"), thus meaning "ford by a cliff".EtymologyThe name Clifford is composed of Old English clif, meaning a cliff or steep hill, and ford, a shallow crossing point in a river. The original place names referred to a fording point near a notable cliff or slope. As a surname, it eventually came into use as a given name, particularly in the English-speaking world.Notable BearersAmong historical figures, Clifford has been a prominent surname from medieval times, associated with the Barons Clifford and later English peerages. Notable individuals include American poet and novelist Clifford Odets, physicist Clifford Shull (a winner of the Nobel Prize), and musician Clifford Brown. In modern culture, the red dog Clifford from the children's book series by Norman Bridwell is one of the most identifiable fictional bearers of the name.Cultural SignificanceAs a given name, Clifford peaked in popularity in the United States and other English-speaking countries during the early 20th century but has since become less common. Its usage as a first name reflects a common pattern of converting surnames into given names, a trend particularly strong in English nomenclature.Related NamesMeaning: "ford by a cliff"Origin: Old English (English)Type: Toponymic surname, later given nameDiminutive: CliffUsage Regions: Primarily England, other English-speaking countries