Radclyffe

English

"red cliff"

Radclyffe Origin and Meaning

The name Radclyffe is a boy's name.

Radclyffe is a masculine name of Old English origin, derived from a surname that was originally a place name meaning 'red cliff' or 'red slope.' The name combines the elements 'read' (red) and 'clif' (cliff or slope). It carries an aristocratic, literary quality, perhaps most famously associated with Radclyffe Hall, the groundbreaking early 20th-century British author. Though traditionally masculine, the name gained some gender ambiguity through this association. Radclyffe has never been common as a first name, giving it a distinctive, sophisticated character. With its strong consonants and unique sound pattern, it stands out from more conventional English names. For parents seeking a rare name with Anglo-Saxon roots and literary connections, Radclyffe offers an uncommon choice with historical depth and a distinguished sound.

Famous People Named Radclyffe

• (Marguerite) Radclyffe Hall female English poet and novelist