Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Toftecliue, Tofteclive 1190–1210,e.13 YChviii 1296 WCR

• Tofteclyf 1321 YDvi

• Toftclyf 1297 WCR

• Topcliff, Topclyff, Topclyf(e) 1454 WillY 1510 FF 1589 PRLds 1616 FF

• Toplyfe 1583 WillY

• Topliff 1603 FF

Etymology

Topcliffe, Toftecliue , Tofteclive 1190–1210, e. 13 YCh viii(p), 1296 WCR, Tofteclyf 1321 YD vi(p), Toftclyf 1297 WCR, Topcliff , Topclyff , Topclyf (e )1454 WillY, 1510 FF, 1589 PRLds, 1616 FF, Toplyfe 1583 WillY, Topliff 1603 FF. 'Steep bank by the enclosure', v. topt , clif .The modern form has arisen from association with Topcliffe YN 186 or popular etymology (because of the 'cliff').