Origin & Meaning of the Clifford Surname
What does the last name Clifford mean?
The surname Clifford carries the meaning "From a river crossing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 22,245 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Clifford ranks as the #1,618 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Clifford come from?
The Clifford surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Clifford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Clifford trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Clifford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,618 |
| US Count (2010) | 22,245 |
| Per 100K People | 7.54 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Clifford
According to the US Census, the Clifford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 22,245 Americans with the Clifford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.17% |
| Black | 3.7% |
| Hispanic | 2.96% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.74% |
| Native American | 1.84% |
| Two or More Races | 1.6% |
Popularity of Clifford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Clifford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Clifford surname increased by 271 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Clifford Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Clifford ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Clifford Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Clifford Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Clifford
- ✓ The Clifford coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Clifford families live today
- ✓ Notable Clifford bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Clifford
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Clifford.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Clifford.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clifford
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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