Clifford: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are traditional celebrations marking the feast day of the saint or spiritual figure after whom a person is named. The name Clifford possesses a topographical Old English origin meaning "ford by the cliff." Its history in the USA is robust, peaking significantly during the early 20th century, lending it a strong, vintage mood. This classic masculine name is celebrated in the USA on February 16, marking its dedicated name day observance. Clifford thus offers a historic foundation and a dependable tone, fitting for those who appreciate traditional names.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Clifford's name day is celebrated
on February 16 in the USA.
The Story Behind This Name
Clifford has maintained a consistent presence in the American naming landscape for well over a century. Its popularity peaked significantly during the first half of the 20th century, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s, where it often ranked among the Top 100 names. After this golden age, its usage began a slow, steady decline throughout the latter half of the century. Today, Clifford is considered a classic, recognizable name, though it is far less frequently chosen for newborns than it once was. This gives the name a slightly vintage or grandfatherly historical feel in the US context.
Name origin and meaning
The name Clifford is rooted in Old English linguistic components, derived from a topographical designation. It is fundamentally a locational surname that transitioned into a given name over time. The structural meaning typically combines two main elements, often translated to relate to a cliff or a hillside feature. It signifies someone associated with a ford, which refers to a shallow crossing place in a river or stream. Therefore, the integrated meaning is generally understood as "ford by the cliff" or "crossing at the cliff."
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Clifford is overwhelmingly classified as a masculine given name across the globe. Historically and culturally, its usage has been strictly reserved for males in English-speaking countries. There is virtually no recorded tradition of using Clifford as a female name in either the UK or the USA. If it were encountered on a female, it would almost certainly be used as a surname rather than a given name. Thus, Clifford functions almost exclusively as a male name worldwide, granting it a firmly established gender identity.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Clifford projects a strong, grounded, and slightly vintage mood. It carries a robust and dependable tone, often suggesting a reliable or steadfast personality. Its historical usage evokes a sense of mid-century classic elegance rather than modern innovation. There is a perceptible nature-like undertone due to its original topographical meaning relating to cliffs and fords. Overall, Clifford feels traditional, serious, and fundamentally trustworthy.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Clifford
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 1 – The Leader.
Keywords: Independence, ambition, innovation, leadership, determination.
Positive Traits: Self-motivated, original thinker, confident, goal-oriented, strong-willed.
Challenges: Can be stubborn, impatient, egotistical, or overly competitive.
Life Path Meaning: A path of leadership, individuality, and pioneering new ideas.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 9 - The Humanitarian.
Traits: Compassionate, idealistic, wise, selfless.
Strengths: Generous, charismatic, inspires others.
Challenges: Can be overly emotional, self-sacrificing, or struggle with boundaries.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Sun - Leadership, Confidence, Vitality.
The Sun represents power, authority, and self-expression. Names influenced by the Sun often belong to individuals who are natural-born leaders, radiating warmth, charisma, and creativity. They tend to have a strong presence, a sense of purpose, and a desire for recognition. Sun-ruled names often evoke images of brightness, strength, and nobility.
Name days: Name Clifford
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
Clifford A Strong Vintage Name Conclusion
Clifford is a classic masculine name deriving from Old English, meaning "ford by the cliff." Its primary historical prominence occurred in the USA during the early 1900s, solidifying its strong and grounded vintage mood. As an exclusively male name, it carries connotations of reliability and tradition globally. The US observance of Clifford’s name day on February 16 serves as a fixed point in the calendar. Ultimately, Clifford stands as a distinguished, dependable choice rooted firmly in English topographical history.
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