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noun Uncommon

Clifford

KLIH-fuhrd

Clifford (noun) means a surname and given name, originally an English place name meaning roughly "ford by the cliff.". Example: “Clifford introduced himself as the new manager.”

noun
1
A surname and given name, originally an English place name meaning roughly "ford by the cliff."
"Clifford introduced himself as the new manager."

How to use Clifford

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA name of English origin, used both as a surname and a first name.

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_____ introduced himself as the new manager.

Etymology

From Old English clif ("cliff") plus ford ("ford"), originally describing someone who lived near a river crossing by a cliff.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for Clifford

See all rhymes for Clifford →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Clifford” mean?

The word “Clifford” means a surname and given name, originally an English place name meaning roughly "ford by the cliff.". In plain terms, a name of English origin, used both as a surname and a first name.

How do you pronounce “Clifford”?

“Clifford” is pronounced KLIH-fuhrd (/ˈklɪfəɹd/ in IPA).

How do you use “Clifford” in a sentence?

Here is “Clifford” used in a sentence: “Clifford introduced himself as the new manager.”

What part of speech is “Clifford”?

“Clifford” is a noun.

Where does the word “Clifford” come from?

The word “Clifford” comes from Old English. From Old English clif ("cliff") plus ford ("ford"), originally describing someone who lived near a river crossing by a cliff.

Is “Clifford” a common word?

“Clifford” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Is Clifford a first name or a surname?

Clifford is used as both a surname and a given name in English. It originated as an English place name before becoming a personal name.

What are common nicknames for Clifford?

Clifford is commonly shortened to Cliff as an informal nickname. This shortened form is often used on its own as an independent given name as well.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial