answersLogoWhite

0

The surname Clive is of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name may be a place name from several locations in England. Clive is from the Old English pre 7th century "clif", meaning slope, bank, or cliff. Locational surnames were often developed when former inhabitants of a place moved to another area, and were best identified by the name of their birthplace. Topographical surnames were some of the earliest to be created, as topographical features provided obvious and convenient means of identification. The surname has many spellings ranging from Cliffe, Clive, Cleave, Cleeves, Cleve, Cleef, Cleft and Clift.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?