What do you think of [name]Clifford[/name]? I’d call him [name]Cliff[/name] most of the time. Is the association with the big red dog a problem? I wouldn’t use [name]Clifton[/name], even though I like the sound, because it makes me think of the city in New [name]Jersey[/name] and I would prefer not to use a place name.
I’m sorry, that’s the first thing that came to mind 
I am a teacher though- maybe those that aren’t familiar with children’s books wouldn’t greatly associate the name with the dog.
Couldn’t you just use [name]Cliff[/name] on its own?
I love [name]Clifford[/name]! I don’t really think the Big [name]Red[/name] dog would be a real problem. I think [name]Cliff[/name] is pretty cute also.
HTH
Yes, I think the big red dog would be a problem.
My grandpa’s name was [name]Clifford[/name], so i’d use it. And I love the nickname [name]Cliff[/name] as well!
[name]Don[/name]'t like [name]Clifford[/name] but [name]Cliff[/name] ie [name]Cliff[/name] [name]Richards[/name] YES.
What about [name]Clifton[/name]? It loses the association of the Big [name]Red[/name] Dog.
[name]How[/name] about [name]Heathcliff[/name]?
I have a Grandfather, and brother named [name]Clifford[/name]! [name]Both[/name] great men and their name has fit them well… So I am biased but encourage you to use the name. My brother did go through an “I’m a dog phase” at the age of 2 possibly due to his name but then again my cousin [name]Jamie[/name] went through an “I’m a dinosaur phase”. Its kids! People do mention the Big red dog reference occasionally but never negatively. If you love it, go for it!
BTW… we call my brother [name]Cliff[/name] all the time, (or cliffy… while growing up) Its short, easy, and a strong nickname!
Big [name]Red[/name] Dog (sorry.) [name]Clayton[/name]?
Sorry, all I can think of is the dog. I do live very close to where the author was from, though, so I guess it could be a regional dilemma. I like [name]Clifton[/name] much better.
I went to school with a girl whose little brother was named [name]Clifford[/name], [name]Cliff[/name] for short. He was named to honor a grandparent. I think the name [name]Clifford[/name] is very old fashioned and dated, but due for a come back. It makes me think of other old names like [name]Max[/name] and [name]Gus[/name]. I REALLY love [name]Cliff[/name]. Makes me think of a very handsome, daring guy. Unusual but not at all weird. I say go for it!
I like [name]Clifton[/name] a lot better. [name]Heathcliff[/name] is a good suggestion, unless you have actually read Wuthering Heights, and then I don’t know how anyone can stand the name!
p.s. you might like [name]Clint[/name]/[name]Clinton[/name]
I like [name]Cliff[/name]. I say go for it.
I would use [name]Clifford[/name] vs. [name]Clifton[/name].
[name]Clifton[/name] is too trendy sounding.
If you were to rule out [name]Clifford[/name] only due to the Big [name]Red[/name] Dog association, you would literraly find something wrong with any name, with a possible exception of [name]Zebediah[/name]
Plus, you won’t call him [name]Clifford[/name], you will call him [name]Cliff[/name].