Clifford

Clifford is an Old English habitational surname meaning 'ford by a cliff' — from Old English clif (cliff) and ford (ford, crossing). Despite its literal topographic origin, the name is permanently and joyfully associated with Clifford the Big Red Dog, the beloved children's book character created by Norman Bridwell in 1963.

Clifford belongs to a very specific and wonderful dog: the big red one. Norman Bridwell's Clifford the Big Red Dog has been one of children's most beloved characters for over sixty years, and naming a large, red-coated dog Clifford is one of the most endearing tributes in the pet naming world. It suits Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, red Labrador Retrievers, and any large, lovable dog whose personality matches the original Clifford's endless warmth and loyal devotion to their person. The name has an old-fashioned dignity that works even without the pop culture reference, but with it, Clifford becomes instantly lovable.