Origin & Meaning of the Clifton Surname
What does the last name Clifton mean?
The surname Clifton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." 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 24,758 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Clifton ranks as the #1,439 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Clifton come from?
The Clifton 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 Clifton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Clifton 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 | Clifton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,439 |
| US Count (2010) | 24,758 |
| Per 100K People | 8.39 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Clifton
According to the US Census, the Clifton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 24,758 Americans with the Clifton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 81.19% |
| Black | 13.11% |
| Hispanic | 2.33% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.73% |
| Two or More Races | 2.21% |
Popularity of Clifton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Clifton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Clifton surname increased by 235 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clifton
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