Surname Clift - Meaning and Origin
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Clift: What does the surname Clift mean?
The surname Clift is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "clif," meaning a cliff or a steep hill. It is a topographic name used to describe someone who lived near a cliff or a hill. It could also be a locative name for someone who lived in a village named Clift. As with many surnames, it originally served to help identify individuals by their residence or occupation. The name first appeared in the England records in the 13th century. Variations of the surname include Cliff, Cliffe, and Clyft. Notable people with the surname Clift include the American actress Montgomery Clift and the English cricket player Charles Clift. It should be noted that family names can have different origins, even if they are spelled the same way, so not everyone with the surname Clift will have the same surname origin.
Order DNA origin analysisClift: Where does the name Clift come from?
The surname Clift originated in England, deriving from the Old English term "clif," meaning a cliff or steep bank. The name was likely used to refer either to someone living near a cliff or steep hill, or possibly a person who worked at such a location. It falls under the category of topographic surnames, which were given based on the surrounding landscape or geographical features.
In the earlier ages, Clift spelling variations included Cliff, Cliffe, Clyffe, Clive, Cleeves, Cliff, Clifft, Clift, and many more. During the period of the British colonization, English families began to migrate abroad and thus the surname spread to various English-speaking countries around the world.
Today, the surname Clift is more commonly found in the United States, England, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. However, it remains quite rare overall. In England, it is most prevalent in the West Midlands, which is fitting given the region's hilly and cliff-like terrain. Famous bearers of the surname include the American actor Montgomery Clift.
Variations of the surname Clift
The surname Clift has a variety of spellings, variants and derivatives. These include the variations such as Cliff, Clifford, Clyfford, Clyff, and Cliffe, among others. It is primarily of English origin and it might have originally been used to describe someone who lived near a steep hill or a cliff.
Other spelling alternatives might involve a slight modification or modernisation of the original name, such as Clifft, Cliffton, or Clifton. The suffix 'ton' often denotes 'a town or village,' which could suggest the name meant 'a town or village near a cliff.'
In terms of surnames with the same origins, they are often location-based or geographical like Hill, Dale, or Brook. In this case, names like Hill or Ridge could potentially share the same topographical origins.
It's also worth noting that the surname can be traced back to several regions in the UK including Yorkshire and Herefordshire. In these cases, localised spellings or adaptations might be apparent. All these variations can be equally valid and representative of the original surname, reflecting regional dialects, personal preference, or simply transcription errors by clerks in the past.
Famous people with the name Clift
- Montgomery Clift: He was an American actor named by the American Film Institute as one of the greatest male stars of classic American cinema. Some of his popular roles include "A Place in the Sun" and "From Here to Eternity."
- Eleanor Clift: The American political journalist, television pundit and author is known for her contributing editor role with Newsweek magazine and is a regular panelist on the McLaughlin Group.
- Denise Clift: A soccer player who was part of the England women's national team and competed in the inaugural Women's World Cup in 1991.
- Wallace Clift: Known for his work in the field of psychology and religion, the author, Jungian analyst and Episcopal priest impacted the field with major publications.
- Jean Dalby Clift: A famous author who has significantly contributed to the fields of psychology and religion, often working with her husband Wallace Clift.
- Kathryn Clift: An Australian actress known for her roles in Sweet Country (2017) and Top End Wedding (2019).
- Dawn Clift: An influential American artist recognized for her abstract and surrealist paintings.
- Clift Tsuji: A well-known Democratic member of the Hawaii House of Representatives, serving the 2nd District. Please note that some people may go by different aliases or professional names.