Clifford is a boy's name of English origin, meaning "a ford near a slope." It originated as a toponymic name, derived from places called Clifford in Devon, Gloucestershire, and Herefordshire. The name has been used as a first name since the late 19th century and has seen a decline in popularity in the United States. Despite this, it remains significant due to its historical and cultural associations. The name is also notable for its use in fiction, such as in Norman Bridwell’s "Clifford the Big Red Dog" book series.
