Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Clive
BoyOld English· “cliff, slope”
- Meaning
- cliff, slope
- Origin
- Old English
- Pronunciation
- KLYV
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #2,398
- US babies 2025
- 57
- Best rank
- #764 (1906)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Clive
Clive is an Old English name that means “cliff, slope”.
Clive is an English surname from Old English clif, cliff or slope, originally for someone who lived near one. The best-known historical bearer is Robert Clive, the eighteenth-century British commander associated with the expansion of British power in India, and the author C. S. Lewis was born Clive Staples Lewis. The name is a single syllable, said KLYV, and it has a distinctly British, mid-century character. In the United States it is uncommon, which makes it a quiet, distinctive choice. It pairs well with longer surnames and fits a style similar to Miles or Reid. There is no standard nickname.
Popularity over time
Clive first appears in US Social Security records in 1885. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 9 different years, starting in 1885. Its best national rank was #764 in 1906, and the most babies received it in 2016, when 85 were named Clive. In 2025, 57 babies were named Clive, and it ranked #2,398 nationally. That is 30% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,464 in 1920, #1,707 in 1950, #3,659 in 1980, #4,084 in 2000, #2,265 in 2010, and #2,398 in 2025. Of the 3,336 US boys named Clive since records began, 21% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 371 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Breck, Jairus, Aayush, Triton, and Morrison.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Clive ranked highest in Missouri, Tennessee, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | #891 | 5 |
| Tennessee | #1061 | 5 |
| California | #1859 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Clive is usually pronounced KLYV, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-ve”.
Middle names for Clive
A few middle names that flow with Clive: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Clive
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Lists that include Clive
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Clive mean?
Clive is an Old English name that means “cliff, slope”.
What is the origin of the name Clive?
Clive has Old English roots. Clive is an English surname from Old English clif, cliff or slope, originally for someone who lived near one.
Is Clive a popular name?
Not especially. Clive ranked #2,398 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Clive a boy or girl name?
Clive is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Clive?
Clive is usually pronounced KLYV. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings