Boy
Clive
cliff
About Clive
Distinguished and decidedly British in character, this single-syllable name carries an air of refined sophistication that sets it apart from contemporary naming trends. Clive possesses a vintage charm that appeals to parents drawn to classic names with literary and historical resonance. The name's brevity gives it punch and memorability while its traditional roots provide substance and gravitas. Its uncommon usage in current generations means boys named Clive enjoy individuality without the burden of constant mispronunciation. The name works exceptionally well in professional contexts, projecting competence and maturity that benefits individuals throughout their careers. Clive's old-world elegance doesn't feel stuffy or outdated; rather, it offers refreshing contrast to more common modern choices. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its understated confidence and the way it stands apart without demanding attention. The name's simplicity makes it easy to spell and remember while its distinctiveness ensures recognition. Clive pairs beautifully with both traditional and contemporary middle names, demonstrating unexpected versatility. For families seeking names with character, history, and gentlemanly sophistication, Clive delivers admirably.
Popularity of the Name Clive
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | United Kingdom | New Zealand | Ireland | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1885 | #965 | |||
| 1892 | #979 | |||
| 1895 | #892 | |||
| 1897 | #799 | |||
| 1899 | #795 | |||
| 1906 | #764 | |||
| 1930 | #960 | #97 | ||
| 1931 | #901 | #90 | ||
| 1935 | #996 | #77 | ||
| 1997 | #834 | #397 | ||
| 1901 | #108 | |||
| 1903 | #96 | |||
| 1905 | #109 | |||
| 1909 | #87 | |||
| 1910 | #119 | |||
| 1913 | #137 | |||
| 1914 | #137 | |||
| 1915 | #118 | |||
| 1916 | #127 | |||
| 1917 | #118 | |||
| 1920 | #125 | |||
| 1921 | #113 | |||
| 1922 | #126 | |||
| 1923 | #110 | |||
| 1924 | #111 | |||
| 1925 | #134 | |||
| 1926 | #113 | |||
| 1927 | #124 | |||
| 1928 | #113 | |||
| 1929 | #117 | |||
| 1932 | #97 | |||
| 1933 | #79 | |||
| 1934 | #76 | |||
| 1936 | #86 | |||
| 1937 | #82 | |||
| 1938 | #92 | |||
| 1939 | #98 | |||
| 1940 | #80 | |||
| 1941 | #85 | |||
| 1942 | #102 | |||
| 1943 | #87 | |||
| 1944 | #83 | |||
| 1945 | #77 | |||
| 1946 | #74 | |||
| 1947 | #77 | |||
| 1948 | #85 | |||
| 1949 | #78 | |||
| 1950 | #87 | |||
| 1951 | #98 | |||
| 1952 | #83 | |||
| 1953 | #83 | |||
| 1954 | #100 | |||
| 1955 | #108 | |||
| 1956 | #118 | |||
| 1957 | #105 | |||
| 1958 | #114 | |||
| 1959 | #120 | |||
| 1960 | #110 | |||
| 1961 | #117 | |||
| 1962 | #118 | |||
| 1963 | #129 | |||
| 1964 | #168 | #149 | ||
| 1965 | #181 | #150 | ||
| 1966 | #202 | #132 | ||
| 1967 | #164 | #157 | ||
| 1968 | #229 | #123 | ||
| 1969 | #197 | #146 | ||
| 1970 | #194 | #139 | ||
| 1971 | #282 | #129 | ||
| 1972 | #269 | #121 | ||
| 1973 | #250 | #106 | ||
| 1974 | #266 | #113 | ||
| 1975 | #113 | |||
| 1976 | #118 | |||
| 1977 | #120 | |||
| 1978 | #112 | |||
| 1979 | #123 | |||
| 1980 | #132 | |||
| 1981 | #124 | |||
| 1982 | #146 | |||
| 1983 | #120 | |||
| 1984 | #156 | |||
| 1985 | #171 | |||
| 1986 | #168 | |||
| 1987 | #222 | |||
| 1988 | #181 | |||
| 1989 | #165 | |||
| 1990 | #193 | |||
| 1991 | #171 | |||
| 1992 | #225 | |||
| 1993 | #194 | |||
| 1994 | #269 | |||
| 1995 | #245 | |||
| 1996 | #236 | |||
| 1998 | #290 | |||
| 1999 | #298 | |||
| 2000 | #352 | |||
| 2001 | #430 | |||
| 2002 | #472 | |||
| 2003 | #525 | |||
| 2005 | #544 | |||
| 2006 | #623 | |||
| 2009 | #732 | |||
| 2012 | #754 | |||
| 2016 | #747 | |||
| 2017 | #631 | |||
| 2025 | #824 |
Top names by country: United States · United Kingdom · New Zealand · Ireland
Variations of Name Clive
Names Similar to Clive
Nicknames for Clive
- Cli
- CJ
- Clivey
- Ivy
Famous People Named Clive
| Clive Owen | British actor |
| Clive Staples Lewis | British author |
| Clive Barker | British author and filmmaker |
| Clive Davis | American record producer |
| Clive Woodward | English rugby coach |
| Clive Standen | British actor |
| Clive Burr | British drummer |
| Clive Revill | New Zealand actor |
| Clive Russell | British actor |
| Clive Cussler | American author |
| Clive Swift | British actor |
| Clive Robertson | Australian actor |
| Clive Walford | American football player |
| Clive Churchill | Australian rugby league player |
| Clive Rowe | British actor |
| Clive Tyldesley | English sports commentator |
| Clive Mendonca | English footballer |
| Clive Worth | Welsh author and internet personality |
| Clive Francis | English actor |
| Clive Clarke | Irish footballer |
Characters Named Clive
| Clive Bixby | Modern Family TV show |
| Clive Doran | Doctor Who TV show |
| Clive Dove | Grand Theft Auto video game series |
| Clive Gollings | Movie "The World's End" |
| Clive Kessler | TV series "House of Lies" |
| Clive Wearing | British musician and subject of documentaries |
| Clive Howard | TV series "Mistresses" |
| Clive Coulson | TV series "A Touch of Cloth" |
| Clive Buchanan | TV series "Curb Your Enthusiasm" |
| Clive Ravel | Movie "Clue" |
| Clive Yorkin | DC Comics character |
| Clive York | TV series "Good Behavior" |
| Clive Pottinger | TV series "Jonathan Creek" |
| Clive Traves | TV series "Black Books" |
| Clive Babineaux | TV series "iZombie" |
| Clive Horridge | Movie "The Browning Version" |
| Clive Quigley | TV series "Spaced" |
| Clive Hammond | Movie "My Fair Lady" |
| Clive Swift | TV series "Keeping Up Appearances" |
| Clive Barlow | TV series "The Office" |