Boy Name · English Origin
Clive
Clive — a boy name from the English tradition — is an uncommon, standout choice. Its meaning, "Cliff dweller", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Cleve is on your shortlist, Clive belongs in the same conversation.
Clive meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Cliff dweller
Origin: English naming roots help connect Clive to related English baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Clive as C·L·I·V·E, with 5 letters and a boy usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Clive is an uncommon, standout choice in the Rare tier.
Clive variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Clivea, Clivee, Clivey, Cliv.
- Nicknames: Cli and C.
- Middle names: Pair Clive with a middle name that balances its substantial sound; start with the Clive middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Cleve, Cleave, Cliff, Colby, Caleb — full picks on the sibling names for Clive guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Clive? Browse our names like Clive guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Clive
What does the name Clive mean?
Clive means "Cliff dweller" and is of English origin.
What is the origin of Clive?
Clive originates in English naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Clive?
Clive has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Clive a boy's or girl's name?
Clive is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Clive in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Clive sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Clive?
Names that share Clive's sound and style include Cleve, Cleave, Cliff, Colby, Caleb.
What middle names pair well with Clive?
Good middle-name fits for Clive pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Clive is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Clive is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Clive?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Clive share its rhythm without rhyming — Cleve, Cleave, Cliff all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.